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
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.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked spinach or steamed broccoli before baking.
- Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, roast garlic before adding to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
