Imagine a cozy evening filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and melted Parmesan wafting through your kitchen. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm hug in a dish, featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. As it bakes, the top gets golden and bubbly, inviting you to dig in. Each forkful is a delightful blend of savory flavors and comforting textures, making it the perfect meal to share with loved ones or savor all to yourself. You won’t want to miss this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love this creamy, cheesy goodness!
- This one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights—easy prep and minimal cleanup!
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
- Garlic and Parmesan create a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Kid-approved and adult-friendly—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast – a lean protein that keeps the dish hearty.
- Pasta – choose your favorite type for a comforting base.
- Garlic – adds a robust flavor that enhances the dish.
- Parmesan Cheese – brings a rich, nutty taste and creamy texture.
- Heavy Cream – creates a luscious sauce that binds everything together.
- Chicken Broth – adds depth and moisture to the pasta bake.
- Olive Oil – for sautéing and adding healthy fats.
- Italian Seasoning – a blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper – essential for seasoning to taste.
- Breadcrumbs – for a crispy topping that adds texture.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your favorite pasta (like penne or rotini) and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in minced garlic and a splash of chicken broth for creaminess. Combine well!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated and happy together!
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every noodle gets some love!
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and some breadcrumbs on top for that delightful crunch. Don’t be shy—load it up!
Step 8: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and watch everyone dig in with smiles. Enjoy your comforting creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant flavor; it makes a big difference!
- Cook the pasta al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Top with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy finish.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; it helps the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve
Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with these delightful serving suggestions:
- Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with garlic bread for an extra dose of flavor.
- Offer a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for a healthy touch.
- Drizzle with a balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese for cheese lovers.
- Serve with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake fresh:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage, follow these steps:
- Cool the pasta bake completely before freezing.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your dish again:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini works great, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may require adjustments.
What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?
You can easily replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian dish. Just make sure to season them well for that delicious flavor!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix. You can also use a spicy garlic sauce for an extra layer of heat!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy a comforting meal!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly! This dish is not just simple to whip up, but it also brings back those cozy family dinners we all cherish. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into this comforting meal. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite you deserve it!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta.
- 1 Skillet For cooking chicken.
- 1 Mixing bowl For combining ingredients.
- 1 Baking dish 9×13 inch for baking.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Chicken Breast A lean protein that keeps the dish hearty.
Pasta
- 8 ounces Pasta Choose your favorite type for a comforting base.
Flavorings
- 4 cloves Garlic Adds a robust flavor that enhances the dish.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Brings a rich, nutty taste and creamy texture.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a luscious sauce that binds everything together.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth Adds depth and moisture to the pasta bake.
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing and adding healthy fats.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning to taste.
Toppings
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs For a crispy topping that adds texture.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pasta bake cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden top!
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add your favorite pasta (like penne or rotini) and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in minced garlic and a splash of chicken broth for creaminess. Combine well!
Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated and happy together!
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every noodle gets some love!
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and some breadcrumbs on top for that delightful crunch. Don’t be shy—load it up!
Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and watch everyone dig in with smiles. Enjoy your comforting creation!