Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re after the ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, let me introduce you to this glorious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Imagine forkfuls of tender chicken, golden bubbly cheese, and al dente penne, all enveloped in a savory garlic-infused cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that turns any ordinary evening into a special occasion, with rich flavors and an irresistible cheesy topping that’ll have everyone swooning at the table. Bonus: leftovers taste even better. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new weeknight favorite!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is how each simple ingredient delivers major flavor and comfort. Every item has its purpose — from the protein-packed chicken and creamy sauce, to the trio of melty cheeses — working together for that perfect bite of nostalgia and satisfaction.

• Penne pasta: Holds up well to baking and soaks up the luscious garlic-parmesan sauce in every bite.
• Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and adds subtle flavor to the whole dish.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and perfect for taking on all those savory seasonings.
• Garlic: Four cloves deliver a bold aromatic kick — freshly minced makes all the difference here!
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and rounds out the garlic flavor beautifully.
• All-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce and create that classic velvety consistency.
• Whole milk: Makes the sauce ultra-creamy without feeling heavy, and brings everything together.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and savory notes that complement both the pasta and chicken.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs that pops in the background and layers on extra flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Don’t skip these — their balance is key for bright, seasoned flavors in every forkful.
• Parmesan cheese: The star of the show! Nutty and salty, it melts into the sauce and adds its signature punch.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream for that cheesy stretching glory with every serving.
• Provolone cheese: Adds melty richness and a touch of sharpness that’s irresistible in the cheesy topping.
• Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for color and a fresh, herby spark right before serving.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light greasing. While the oven is working its magic, cook the penne pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water until perfectly al dente. Remember, you want the noodles to be firm since they’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside — ready for the cheesy sauce to come!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat that olive oil up in a large skillet over medium. Toss in your chicken pieces and let them sizzle, flipping occasionally, until they’re gloriously golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Scooping them out and setting aside ensures each bite will be juicy and infused with flavor, ready to take the spotlight in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

Don’t even think about rinsing that skillet — it’s packed with flavor! Melt the butter right into those tasty bits, then let the minced garlic dance for just a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking to create a simple roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking gently as the sauce thickens up. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let those aromas fill your kitchen. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese so it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce that ties the whole bake together.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Now comes the best part — bringing everything together! Add the cooked chicken and drained penne right into your garlicky Parmesan sauce. Stir until every piece is generously coated, because every forkful should be loaded with savory flavor. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if you like; make it sing for your tastebuds!

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour your creamy mixture into that waiting baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Sprinkle the mozzarella and provolone cheeses generously over the top — this is what gives our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake its golden, bubbly crown. If you’re all about extra cheese (who isn’t?), a little more never hurts!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide your casserole into the oven and let it bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, enticingly golden, and bubbling at the edges. Resist the urge to dig in immediately and let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Now you’re ready to serve up comfort by the spoonful!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

The final flourish makes a big difference! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds color and a welcome hit of freshness to each serving. For a little extra zing, consider some cracked black pepper or even a dusting of extra Parmesan right before bringing it to the table.

Side Dishes

Nothing completes a hearty pasta bake quite like a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a loaf of warm, crusty bread perfect for sopping up extra sauce. Roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans round out the meal and brighten things up on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to give your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake a restaurant-style twist, serve it in individual oven-safe ramekins for personal portions or scoop hearty servings into shallow bowls for a rustic, shareable vibe. Swirl on a basil pesto drizzle or top with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor dimension.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are pure gold here! Let your bake cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day even more delicious.

Freezing

This pasta bake freezes beautifully. Simply cover the unbaked casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few minutes if needed to ensure everything is heated through and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep things creamy, or warm larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout. A fresh shower of cheese on top before reheating never hurts — you’ll revive that melted magic every time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Penne is classic, but any short pasta with ridges like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini will catch the sauce beautifully and hold up during baking.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply opt for gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend when making the roux for the sauce. All the cheesy, garlicky goodness will remain intact!

What’s the best way to add veggies?

Sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or even roasted bell peppers stir in smoothly just before baking, adding color and nutrition without overpowering the main flavors. Mix and match to whatever your family loves most.

Can I prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats and then bake as directed — perfect for busy evenings or entertaining guests.

What cheeses can I substitute if I don’t have provolone?

If provolone isn’t handy, shredded Monterey Jack or extra mozzarella both make excellent stand-ins. You’ll still enjoy a gorgeously melty, cheesy top layer without missing a beat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that ultimate cozy dinner, I hope you’ll try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake soon — it’s comfort food at its best, equally ideal for family meals or impressing friends. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning to this recipe over and over again!

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