Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those dishes you just cant forget . It mixes tender chicken with al дente pasta and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce . Then its baked until the cheese on top goes gooey and a bit crispy , but it stays soft underneath . The result fills your belly and warms you up inside , like a big kitchen hug .

This recipe became a family favourite cause its easy to prep and you can make it earlier in the day and toss it in the oven when you get home . Parents love the extra protein , kids go crazy for the cheesy flavour and always want seconds . Whether its a quick weeknight meal or a little get-together , this pasta bake checks all the boxes .

In this post well look at the main ingredients you need , walk through simple steps to cook it , share tips so it comes out perfect , and even show you some swaps if you feel like experimenting . Let’s dive into a tasty dish everyone will talk about .

Ingredients

To make the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake , gather these essentials :

Essential Ingredients

Chicken breast: 500g , boneless skinless works best .
Pasta: 300g , penne or rotini grips the sauce well .
Garlic: 4 cloves , minced for that punchy aroma .
Parmesan cheese: 1 cup , grated for a rich base .
Heavy cream: 1 cup , to get that silky sauce .
Chicken broth: 1 cup , adds depth of flavour .
Olive oil: 2 tablespoon , for cooking the chicken .
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon , your blend of herbs .
Salt and pepper: to taste , so its seasoned just right .

Optional Ingredients

Fresh parsley: for garnish and a pop of green .
Mozzarella cheese: ½ cup , for an extra gooey top .
Red pepper flakes: for a little heat , if you like .

With these ingredients youre all set to build layers of flavour and texture , making dinner a breeze .

Recipe Directions

Now that youve got everything ready , follow these steps to put it all together :

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water until its al dente , then drain and set aside . Meanwhile , preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so its hot and ready .

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat . Season the chicken with salt , pepper and Italian seasoning . Cook each side for about 6–8 minutes or until golden and no pink remains in the centre . Take the chicken out and let it rest a few minutes before cutting into bite-size peices .

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until it smells amazing . Pour in chicken broth , then heavy cream , mixing to combine . Slowly sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens a little . Taste and tweak salt and pepper as needed .

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a big bowl toss together cooked pasta , sliced chicken and the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce . Stir well so every bit is coated , then pour the mix into a greased baking dish .

Step 5: Bake

Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan if you want . Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown . Your kitchen will smell like heaven .

Step 6: Serve

Let the bake rest for a few minutes so the sauce firms up . Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for colour , then scoop and serve warm . Enjoy the creamy , cheesy goodness !

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this pasta bake has roughly :

Calories: about 500–600
Protein: 30–35 g
Carbs: 50–60 g
Fats: 20–25 g

You get a good hit of protein from the chicken and energy-packed carbs from the pasta , plus some immune-boosting garlic and calcium from the cheese .

Tips for Success

Pasta choice: If you dont have penne or rotini try fusilli or farfalle . They all hold sauce nicely .
Chicken shortcut: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken . Just shred or chop and mix in .
Make ahead: Prep the bake up to a day early , keep it covered in the fridge . Let it sit at room temp for 30 mins before baking .

Variations

Swap Cheeses

Try Gouda or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a different twist .

Add Veggies

Sauté spinach , bell peppers or mushrooms with the garlic for extra colour and nutrients .

Vegetarian Version

Replace chicken with mushrooms or tempeh for a meat-free but filling bake .

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dont undercook the pasta or it gets mushy after baking .
Avoid overcooking chicken or it turns dry . Keep an eye on it .
Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce can thicken up .

FAQs

What sides go well with this bake ?

Fresh salad , garlic bread or steamed veggies are great picks to balance the richness .

Can I prep this ahead ?

Yes you can assemble it a day before and store in fridge . Just let it warm up a bit before baking .

How do I spice it up ?

Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the sauce for some heat .

Is it freezer-friendly ?

Absolutely . Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container . Thaw overnight and reheat in oven .

What if I dont want chicken ?

Try turkey , shrimp or tofu instead for different protein options .

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy , flavour-packed dish that’s easy to make and always impresses . With simple prep and tons of room for swaps , it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd . Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments !

References

This recipe is inspired by classic Italian comfort food and home cooking blogs . For more pasta ideas and family meals check out your favourite cookbooks or trusted food sites .