Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious main course featuring tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, then baked with a mozzarella cheese topping until golden and bubbly. A perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz cooked pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Garlic Butter Roux: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a paste (roux). Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream next and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set. Before serving, sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a convenient shortcut for the cooked chicken.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente and prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
