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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, cheesy garlic parmesan sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make Garlic Butter Roux: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a roux.
  4. Create Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens, about 4–5 minutes. Then, stir in the parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
  • Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/