If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy richness of Parmesan cheese with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish is loaded with flavor, featuring juicy chicken pieces tossed in a savory garlic sauce and baked with plenty of cheese until golden and bubbly. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Continue reading to get the full recipe and all the tips to make this dish even more delicious!
What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cheesy, creamy casserole dish made with tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. This dish combines the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan with a creamy sauce that brings everything together. Baked until bubbly and golden, this pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food and can be made ahead of time or enjoyed as leftovers. It’s a perfect dish to serve a crowd or to whip up when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this delicious and easy pasta bake:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ to 2 lbs), cubed.
- Pasta – 12 oz of penne, rigatoni, or rotini pasta works well in this dish.
- Garlic – 4-5 cloves, minced (adjust based on your garlic preference).
- Parmesan Cheese – 1½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and cheesy sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups of shredded mozzarella for a gooey, melted topping.
- Butter – 3 tablespoons of butter to create a rich base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – 1½ cups for a creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Chicken Broth – 1 cup to thin out the sauce and add flavor.
- Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon for sautéing the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
Optional Ingredients:
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon for added flavor in the chicken and sauce.
- Parsley – Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.
- Red Pepper Flakes – A pinch for a little heat if you like spicy food.
Substitutions and Variations
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken – Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Pasta – Any short pasta works in this recipe! You can use elbow macaroni, farfalle, or ziti. To make it gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese – While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic, feel free to add Gruyère, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Sauce – For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk in place of the heavy cream. You can also add cream cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Vegetables – Add cooked broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce for some heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now let’s get into the detailed steps to make this comforting and delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set aside, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, but not browned. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s simmering, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, straight from the dish.
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Cook the pasta – Boil the pasta until al dente and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken – Cook the seasoned chicken in olive oil until fully cooked, then set aside.
- Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce – Melt butter, cook garlic, then add broth, cream, and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Combine everything – Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce together in a large bowl.
- Assemble and bake – Pour the mixture into a greased dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
- Garnish and serve – Add parsley and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta – Be sure to cook your pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the casserole.
- Not Thickening the Sauce Enough – Ensure your sauce is thick before combining it with the pasta and chicken. If it’s too thin, the dish may become watery.
- Under-seasoning the Chicken – Make sure to properly season the chicken before cooking it. Bland chicken can make the whole dish taste underwhelming.
- Skipping the Broiling Step – For an extra crispy and golden cheese topping, don’t forget to broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are some tips for serving and presenting your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake beautifully:
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is filling and hearty, so it can be served as a standalone main dish. However, it pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. Serve it straight from the baking dish for a family-style meal.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Family-Style: Serve the pasta bake straight from the oven in the baking dish, with a garnish of fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Individual Servings: Spoon individual portions onto plates and add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil to each serving.
- Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil can brighten up the presentation and enhance the flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead – This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing – You can also freeze the unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftovers – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time. Just shred or cube the chicken and add it to the casserole when you combine the ingredients.
Can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese used. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
How long will the leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the whole dish in the oven.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms are great additions. Simply sauté them before mixing them into the pasta and chicken.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce into one irresistibly cheesy casserole. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to please everyone. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile ingredients, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is a rich and creamy dish made with tender chicken, pasta, and a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s an easy, cheesy casserole that’s great for family dinners or special gatherings. A hearty and satisfying meal packed with comfort!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup of cream cheese before adding the Parmesan.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
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