When the weather turns chilly and you need a dish to warm you up , this Gаrlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bаke fits the bill . It’s creamy , cheesy , and loaded with garlic punch . Bite into soft pаstа , tender chicken chunks , all smothered in a rich sauce then baked till golden on top . It feels like a cozy hug in a bowl , perfect for family dinners or a quiet night in .
One cool thing about this bake is how easy it is to tweak . Throw in broccoli , spinach , or bell peppers for more veggies . You can use gluten-free pаstа or swap chicken for shrimp if you want . No matter what you choose , people always ask for seconds .
What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bаke?
Gаrlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bаke is a simple casserole full of flavor . It has cut-up chicken , al dente pаstа , and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce . All of it goes in the oven till the top is bubbly and starts to brown . You end up with a crunchy cheese crust and soft , saucy inside .
This dish started as a comfort-food favorite in Western kitchens . Over time people added their own twists , like spicy peppers or extra cheese . Now it’s everywhere because it’s easy to make and everyone loves it .
Why Garlic and Parmesan?
Garliс adds a sharp , savory hit that livens up the whole bake . It’s also good for you since it’s full of antioxidants . Parmesan cheese brings nuttiness and saltiness , which pairs great with creamy sauce . Together they make a flavor duo that’s hard to beat .
The combo of garlic and Parmesan blends well with chicken too . Chicken soaks up the sauce and every bite tastes rich . At a potluck or a quiet dinner , this dish always stands out .
Ingredients Needed for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bаke
Here’s what you’ll need :
- Chicken : Breasts or thighs , cut in pieces .
- Pаstа : Penne , fusilli , or rotini work best .
- Garlic : Fresh cloves for full flavor or powder in a pinch .
- Parmesan Cheese : Grated fresh for best melt and taste .
- Cream or Cream Cheese : Use heavy cream or cream cheese for a thick sauce .
- Broth or Stock : Chicken broth adds depth of flavor .
- Seasonings : Salt , pepper , oregano , basil or other Italian herbs .
- Optional Veggies : Spinach , broccoli or bell peppers .
You can use organic chicken or gluten-free options if you need . Fresh ingredients always taste better .
Directions for Preparation
4.1 Prepare the Chicken
First cook the chicken so it’s juicy and full of flavor . You got options :
- Grill : Season with salt , pepper , herbs then grill 6-7 minutes per side till juices run clear .
- Bake : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) . Season chicken , bake 25-30 minutes till no pink inside .
- Sauté : Heat olive oil in pan , cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side till golden .
Let it rest a bit then cut into bite-size pieces .
4.2 Cook the Pasta
Follow the package instructions but take it out 2 minutes early so it’s just firm .
- Boil a big pot of salted water .
- Add pаstа and cook till al dente .
- Drain and save a little pasta water in case sauce needs thinning .
4.3 Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat :
- Мelt butter and add minced garlic , stir till fragrant (1-2 minutes) .
- Pour in cream or cream cheese and stir to melt .
- Add grated Parmesan slowly , whisk till smooth . Season with salt , pepper , herbs .
4.4 Assemble the Bake
Mix everything :
- In large bowl combine pаstа , chicken , sauce .
- Transfer to greased baking dish and spread even .
- Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs .
4.5 Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
- Bake 20-25 minutes till top is golden and bubbly .
- For more crispiness broil 2-3 minutes but watch so it don’t burn .
Cooking Advice & Tips
5.1 Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep this dish a day before . Cover and chill for up to 24 hours . For longer storage freeze unbaked up to 3 months then thaw overnight before baking .
5.2 Variations and Customizations
- Proteins : Turkey , shrimp or plant-based chicken .
- Pаstа Alternatives : Gluten-free or spelt pasta .
- Veggie Add-Ins : Mushrooms , zucchini , roasted tomatoes .
5.3 Storing and Reheating
Leftovers last in fridge 3-4 days in airtight container . Reheat in microwave or oven covered with foil to keep moist .
Serving Suggestions
- Sides : Garlic bread , green salad or roasted veggies .
- Drinks : Chardonnay , sparkling water or iced tea .
- Garnish : Fresh parsley , extra Parmesan before serving .
Nutritional Info
- Calories : approx 550 per serving .
- Protein : 36g .
- Fats : 30g .
- Carbs : 45g .
Variations from Top Results
8.1 Vegetarian
Swap chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas . Use cashew cream or vegan cheese for sauce .
8.2 Low-Carb/Keto
Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice . Use heavy cream and skip flour or starch .
8.3 Spicy Twist
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños . Try mozzarella or gouda for different cheese flavor .
FAQs
- How long to bake? About 20-25 minutes at 350°F .
- Can I use leftover chicken? Sure , it works great .
- What if no penne? Use rotini , fusilli or even spaghetti .
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese .
- No heavy cream? Try milk or dairy-free substitute .
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bаke gives you a creamy , flavorful meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any gathering . Try it and tweak it to make it your own , then share how it turned out . Happy cooking !
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 skillet
- 1 baking dish (3-quart)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini preferred)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Plus extra for topping.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Optional, for topping.
- Chopped parsley for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the shredded chicken and grated Parmesan cheese until well-combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan cheese on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.
