Looking for the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests? This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is your answer. It’s a luscious mix of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a dreamy garlic parmesan sauce, all crowned with melty mozzarella and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. Every bite is irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, making it a dish you’ll crave over and over.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is refreshingly straightforward, but each item really matters. Every component plays a role—whether it’s the deep flavor of fresh garlic or the irresistible richness of heavy cream—in building those classic layers of taste and texture.

Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully for cheesy, saucy bites every time.
Olive Oil: Adds a fruity richness to the chicken as it browns.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cook up tender and juicy in every forkful.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce perfectly.
Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and depth.
Garlic Powder: Amps up the garlic flavor alongside the fresh cloves.
Fresh Garlic: The aromatic backbone that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering fragrance.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to just the right, velvety consistency.
Whole Milk: Makes the sauce light while still keeping it luscious.
Heavy Cream: Brings serious creaminess and indulgence.
Chicken Broth: Adds extra savory flavor without making the sauce too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the bake with nutty, salty richness.
Italian Seasoning: Weaves in classic Italian herbs for that aromatic touch.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little gentle heat that wakes up the flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to golden, gooey perfection on top.
Fresh Parsley: Brings color and a pop of freshness to finish everything off.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Pasta and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook your penne pasta following the package directions, but just until it’s al dente—this ensures the pasta won’t get mushy when baked. After draining, set the pasta aside and keep it handy for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before they hit the pan. Sauté the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want those delicious browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for another minute or two to create a smooth roux. This is your sauce’s secret weapon against lumps.

Step 4: Bring On the Creaminess

Gradually whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth, making sure to go slow to keep the mixture silky. Let everything simmer gently, then add the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Continue whisking until the sauce has thickened. The scent will be positively irresistible!

Step 5: Toss and Transfer

Add your cooked penne and sautéed chicken to the sauce, tossing until every piece is luxuriously coated. Pour the saucy goodness into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading everything out evenly. This is where your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake starts coming to life.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the mozzarella generously over the pasta and pop the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready by the tantalizing aroma wafting through your kitchen.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

As soon as your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake comes out of the oven, shower it with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for that inviting final flourish. Let it cool for just a few minutes (if you can wait!) before diving in.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

You can keep things simple by scattering fresh parsley, but don’t be shy about experimenting! A pinch of extra grated Parmesan, a small drizzle of good olive oil, or even a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes adds both color and a custom flavor twist to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is deliciously hearty on its own, but it pairs well with plenty of sides. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, while garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For extra veggies, roasted broccoli or simple steamed green beans make great companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake shine by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or top each portion with a poached egg for a luxurious weekend brunch. For extra flair, add wilted spinach or colorful roasted vegetables to the bake for added nutrition and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the bake cool to room temperature before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, and the flavors seem to meld and get even better over time.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Simply cool completely, tightly wrap the baking dish in two layers of foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For added ease, portion into individual servings before freezing for quick weeknight meals.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep the pasta creamy and tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, rigatoni, ziti, or rotini would all work beautifully in this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Choose what you love or use what’s in your pantry.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Stirring in cooked spinach, steamed broccoli, or even roasted bell peppers adds extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just fold them in before baking so everything melds together perfectly.

Can I make this bake with leftover or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, this recipe is a fantastic way to use up pre-cooked chicken. Just shred or chop your rotisserie chicken and add it in step 5 with the pasta and sauce.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

It’s easy to make this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free: use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Sure! You can use reduced-fat milk or half-and-half in place of the cream, less cheese, and even bulk up the bake with extra veggies. While it may be a bit less rich, it will still be delicious and comforting.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that draws everyone to the kitchen, promising comfort, flavor, and pure satisfaction in every bite. I hope you’ll give it a try, share it with family or friends, and let it become a beloved classic at your table too!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheesy sauce baked to perfection. This dish is a family-favorite that is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente; drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, add garlic, then whisk in flour. Slowly add milk, cream, and broth. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes until thickened.
Combine and bake: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.