Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delectable garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake promises pure comfort on a plate.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken merge beautifully with perfectly cooked pasta.

Layers of rich flavors create a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs add delightful texture to this classic dish.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can craft something extraordinary.

Cheese melts into every nook, promising a decadent dining experience.

You’ll want to savor each satisfying bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner.

Grab a fork and get ready to indulge in culinary magic.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Shines

• Craft with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add vegetables to personalize the dish according to family preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal together.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and versatile protein that provides a tender and hearty base for the pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: A classic tube-shaped pasta that captures the creamy sauce perfectly and provides a satisfying texture.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Add a creamy, melty, and savory dimension to the dish.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano: Essential seasonings that bring depth and balance to the recipe.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy golden crust that provides textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh flavor and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the chicken and garlic, adding a subtle richness to the base flavors.

Directions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 375°F and coat a large rectangular baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Chop Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into even, bite-sized cubes to ensure uniform cooking and texture.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden brown and are completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a vigorous boil. Cook penne pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Finely chop garlic cloves and quickly sauté them in the same skillet used for chicken to release their rich, aromatic essence.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried oregano

Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Gently fold in the cooked chicken, garlic-infused sauce, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent flavor distribution.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Topping

• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Remaining parmesan
• Breadcrumbs

This will create a crispy, golden crust.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for melted, slightly golden, and bubbly cheese.

Step 11: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant pop of color and added fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Perfectly Dice Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Sauté garlic in the same skillet used for chicken to capture and enhance the caramelized brown bits for deeper taste.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Cook penne al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce during baking, maintaining a moist and creamy consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use a combination of mozzarella and parmesan for a crispy top layer and rich, complex cheese flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the baked pasta dish.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Twist Ideas

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta Bake: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta and swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Chicken Casserole: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles and reduce breadcrumbs to create a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap oregano for fresh basil to give the dish a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Elevate Chicken Pasta Bake Pairings
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the creamy, rich pasta dish and cut through its heavy texture.
• Enhance with Herbal Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette, fresh basil, and light goat cheese to provide a zesty, refreshing contrast against the warm, cheesy pasta.
• Balance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare colorful roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus seasoned with olive oil and herbs to add nutritional depth and vegetable brightness to the meal.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with breadcrumb topping for best texture.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake FAQs Explained

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne pasta is ideal due to its tube-like shape that helps capture the creamy sauce and provides excellent texture in the baked dish.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella and parmesan with similar melting cheeses like provolone or romano, but keep the proportions similar for the best results.

• Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used and will actually provide more moisture and flavor compared to chicken breasts, though you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly.

Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with its rich, cheesy blend of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Comfort meets culinary delight in this easy-to-prepare, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and texture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
4. Simultaneously, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook penne pasta until it reaches al dente consistency, typically 8-10 minutes.
5. Mince garlic cloves finely and sauté them briefly in the same skillet used for chicken to release their aromatic flavors.
6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to create a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, then fold in the cooked chicken, garlic-infused sauce, and half of the grated parmesan cheese.
8. Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, remaining parmesan, and breadcrumbs across the top of the dish for a crispy, golden crust.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns slightly golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Uniform chicken cutting ensures even cooking and prevents dry or undercooked spots in your pasta bake.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately before sprinkling to enhance their golden crispiness and add extra crunch to the dish.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can replace dried oregano for more vibrant, garden-fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 682
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 749 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 139 mg