If you're searching for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights or even special occasions, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, this dish combines flavors that everyone loves. Stick around to discover all the details, from the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions and even expert tips on how to serve this delicious meal. Trust me, you won’t want to miss any part of this recipe!

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole dish made with cooked pasta, tender chunks of chicken, and a savory garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s topped with cheese and baked to golden perfection. The creamy garlic sauce paired with juicy chicken and al dente pasta creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This dish is easy to prepare and makes a great family dinner, but it's also perfect for impressing guests at a dinner party. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find this dish easy to make and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering dish. Make sure to gather everything before you start, so your cooking process is smooth and efficient.
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 3 cups of uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for cooking the chicken if uncooked)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the exact ingredients! Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Pasta: If you don’t have penne or rigatoni, use any short pasta like ziti, farfalle, or fusilli. Even spaghetti or fettuccine can work if you break them into shorter pieces before baking.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great if you're short on time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you're vegetarian, simply swap the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a meat substitute like tofu or plant-based chicken strips.
- Milk and Cream: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to make the dish a little lighter. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk can be substituted, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Cheese: While Parmesan and mozzarella are the stars of the show, feel free to swap in other cheeses like Asiago or Gouda for a different flavor profile. You can also reduce the cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. You want the pasta slightly firm, as it will cook further in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
3. Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Parmesan and Seasoning
Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce.
5. Combine the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
6. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan, and Italian seasoning (if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown. For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Make sure to boil it until just al dente to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Skipping the Roux: When making the sauce, it’s crucial to cook the flour thoroughly in the butter to avoid a raw, floury taste. Stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes should do the trick.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. Starting with a cold oven will affect the cooking time and texture of your bake.
- Using Pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better into the sauce. Pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce's consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish is a complete meal in itself, but you can serve it with a few simple sides to complement the flavors. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, as does some garlic bread for dipping into the extra creamy sauce. You can also serve steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans on the side for added freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
For a rustic and homey presentation, serve the pasta bake directly from the casserole dish at the table. Garnish the top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you're feeling fancy, portion out individual servings onto plates and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for added flair.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble the casserole and freeze it unbaked. To bake from frozen, add an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it and mix it into the pasta and sauce.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it.
4. How can I make the dish lighter?
To make the dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of cheese, use milk instead of cream, and opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings together classic flavors in a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it to your family or friends, this dish is sure to be a hit! Be sure to save this recipe and give it a try next time you need an easy and comforting meal. Enjoy!
PrintSouthern Five Layer Beef Casserole Recipe
This Southern Five Layer Beef Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dish with layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, veggies, and cheese. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal, packed with rich flavors and textures. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, offering a true taste of Southern comfort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Cooked rice
- Canned diced tomatoes
- Onion (chopped)
- Bell peppers (chopped)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Corn (optional)
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic (minced)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, cook until browned, and drain excess fat. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Grease a baking dish and layer cooked rice as the first layer.
- Spread the beef mixture over the rice.
- Add a layer of corn (optional) followed by a layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat layers if needed, ending with a final layer of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Add chopped green chilies for extra flavor.
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
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