Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food dream. Tender pasta, juicy chunks of chicken, and a luscious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce come together in one bubbling, golden-brown casserole dish. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, and even better—this is a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-level flavor with weeknight-level effort. Perfect for busy evenings when you need something hearty, satisfying, and irresistibly creamy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Creamy: The rich, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce clings to every bite of pasta, making it decadently delicious.
• Simple to Make: It comes together with basic pantry staples and minimal prep—ideal for when time is tight.
• Family-Friendly: This is one of those dishes that everyone, from picky eaters to hearty appetites, will love.
• Versatile and Customizable: Add veggies, swap out the protein, or spice it up—this dish plays well with your creativity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy chicken pasta bake absolutely amazing:

• Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully and bakes to perfection.
• Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken—boneless and skinless is best for easy bites.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a bold, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp on this!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and brings that nutty, salty richness that defines this dish.
• Cream Cheese: Helps create a smooth, tangy base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to an ultra-silky texture. Whole milk works in a pinch, but cream gives you that luscious finish.
• Chicken Broth: Balances the richness and thins the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly.
• Butter: Adds depth and helps cook the garlic to golden perfection.
• Mozzarella Cheese: For that stretchy, melty top layer that browns beautifully in the oven.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that bring warmth and complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the sauce to taste.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few easy tweaks:

• Veggie Boost: Stir in baby spinach, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms before baking for added texture and nutrients.
• Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Swap the Protein: Try diced ham, cooked bacon, or even sautéed shrimp in place of the chicken.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cooked spaghetti squash or a low-carb pasta alternative if you’re watching your carbs.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about a minute. Stir in cream cheese and melt until smooth. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Pasta

In a large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), mix the cooked pasta with shredded or chopped chicken and pour over the garlic parmesan sauce. Toss everything until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and extra parmesan if you’d like a golden, cheesy top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end if you want a crispier, golden crust.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes scooping easier.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Undercook the Pasta: Just a minute or two less than al dente is perfect—this keeps it from going mushy while baking.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Jarred garlic won’t give you the same flavor punch. Fresh makes all the difference.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Add a Crunch: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter for an extra layer of texture.

How to Serve

This pasta bake is rich and satisfying, so pair it with lighter sides to balance things out:

Garnishes:

Fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra parmesan, or even a drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dish Ideas:

• A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
• Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce.
• Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add contrast and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick. For the creamiest result, stick with heavy cream.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and full of flavor, but any cooked chicken breast or thigh meat will work perfectly.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should be safe.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything a comfort dish should be—easy, cheesy, and impossibly creamy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this pasta bake will earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

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