If you’re searching for a dish that offers the perfect blend of creaminess, cheesiness, and savory goodness, look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish is the ideal combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfectly seasoned with garlic and Parmesan. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this pasta bake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting are the first words that come to mind when you think of this baked pasta dish. The creamy garlic sauce is rich and flavorful, with the sharpness of Parmesan cheese combined with the melty goodness of mozzarella. It’s a balanced and hearty meal that is both filling and incredibly satisfying.

Incorporating tender chicken into the pasta bake not only elevates the flavor but also makes this dish a complete meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Add some garlic bread on the side, and you’ll have a meal that people will rave about for days.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich and creamy pasta bake:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken – You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts ahead of time.
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta – These pasta shapes hold the creamy sauce wonderfully. Penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape works best.
3 tbsp unsalted butter – The base of our creamy sauce, adding richness and depth of flavor.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the star of the flavor profile here, adding fragrance and zest to the dish.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour – Used to make the roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
2 cups milk – Whole milk works best for that luscious creamy texture, but you can also use 2% if preferred.
1 cup chicken broth – Adds a savory undertone that complements the richness of the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream – The secret to creating a creamy, luxurious sauce.
1 tsp Italian seasoning – This blend of herbs adds a wonderful balance to the dish, giving it that Italian flair.
1/2 tsp garlic powder – To enhance the garlic flavor even more.
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce.
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided – Mozzarella gives the dish its melt-in-your-mouth texture, and an extra layer of cheese on top creates that golden, bubbly finish.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing the flavors of the dish.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional) – A sprinkle of parsley adds freshness and color to the dish.

Directions for Making Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne or rigatoni pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Next, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. The flour will help thicken the sauce later.

Slowly whisk in the milk, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Be sure to whisk constantly to avoid any lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens up to a creamy consistency. Add the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella will melt into the sauce, making it extra creamy and cheesy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir everything together, ensuring that each piece of pasta and chicken is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.

Step 7: Bake the Pasta

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you want to get a crispy golden top, you can broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 8: Serve

Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Make it your own: Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to give the dish extra flavor and texture.
Use rotisserie chicken: For a quicker option, use leftover rotisserie chicken or store-bought shredded chicken.
Adjust the seasonings: Taste the sauce and adjust the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
Top with breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.

Why This Pasta Bake is a Must-Try

What sets this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake apart from other pasta dishes is its unbeatable combination of rich flavors and textures. The creamy sauce is velvety and indulgent, while the chicken adds a hearty touch. Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly, creating a bubbly, golden crust on top that is simply irresistible.

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or when you’re entertaining guests. You can even make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.

Serve it With

While this pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, there are a few sides that pair wonderfully with it:

Garlic bread: You can never go wrong with crispy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Simple salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers are perfect to complement this dish.

Nutrition Information for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to swap the penne or rigatoni for another pasta shape, like farfalle, fusilli, or shells.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this pasta bake. Let it cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:

Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake – Cheesy Perfection

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Perfectly cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce come together under a layer of melted mozzarella. Ideal for cozy family dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, broth, and cream. Simmer until thickened.
Add Seasonings and Cheese:
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Mix the cooked pasta and shredded chicken with the creamy sauce.
Assemble and Bake:
Spread mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Broil and Serve:
Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy top. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken.
Substitute penne with any short pasta, like ziti or farfalle.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie-packed version.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, cheesy chicken bake, easy pasta recipe, chicken casserole, garlic Parmesan sauce