Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, this baked pasta dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley, it offers a golden crust and bursts of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne or rigatoni pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make Garlic Roux: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Prepare Sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth with no lumps. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add Cheeses: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify preparation.
Incorporate vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
For a crispier cheese topping, broil the bake for 2 to 3 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.