Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, layered casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, broccoli, and pasta tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly balanced with Italian herbs, it serves as a hearty, crowd-pleasing main dish for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish to a bubbly golden finish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Chicken and Broccoli: Add the shredded cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring occasionally until the broccoli is just tender and the chicken is heated through.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Pasta to Skillet: Fold the cooked penne pasta into the skillet mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and combined with the chicken and broccoli.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly, then top the surface with shredded mozzarella cheese for a rich, melty crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes after baking to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy the layers of flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the dish will be less rich.
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Broccoli florets can be blanched prior to adding if you prefer softer vegetables.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
