If there’s one recipe I reach for when I want to impress both my family and myself with minimal fuss, it’s this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Think juicy, golden bites of chicken nestled in a bed of al dente penne, all enrobed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce and baked to bubbling, cheesy perfection. You get the joy of comfort food with a little hint of fancy, but it’s also approachable enough for a busy weeknight. There are layers of flavor and texture in every forkful, making it an instant favorite in any pasta lover’s rotation.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring flavor and creaminess to every bite. Don’t skip or swap too much — each part works hard to create that signature Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake experience everyone loves.

Penne Pasta: The classic tube shape holds sauce beautifully and stands up well to baking.
Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps the chicken brown to perfection.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender bites in every forkful.
Garlic: Four cloves may seem bold, but they give the sauce irresistible depth and aroma.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to gently thicken the sauce without making it stodgy.
Whole Milk: A creamy base that keeps the sauce velvety and smooth.
Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness, making the sauce decadent and full-bodied.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The starring ingredient for big, nutty, savory flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, bubbling and browning in the oven.
Salt: Just enough to elevate all the ingredients without overpowering them.
Black Pepper: For a gentle touch of warmth and contrast.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a bit of gentle heat, a sprinkle does the trick.
Chopped Parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in your penne pasta. Stir now and then, and cook just until al dente — you want the noodles to have a subtle bite since they’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain thoroughly and set aside. This step ensures your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake never gets mushy or overdone.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Taking the time to brown the chicken well means you’ll get those delicious caramelized bits that add savory depth to the whole bake.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Reduce the skillet heat to medium and let it cool off for a moment. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and quickly whisk for one full minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating the backbone for a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Make it Silky

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a seamless, creamy base. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and begins to coat the back of a spoon. Now’s the time to stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. This step turns your base into a gloriously cheesy, aromatic sauce that makes Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake so downright crave-worthy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet and gently stir to coat each piece in the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Fold in your cooked penne until everything is evenly combined and every nook is filled with sauce and chicken. This is where it all starts looking irresistible!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the saucy chicken and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously over the top, giving you a bubbly golden crown. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot, melted, and lightly golden. For the last 2 or 3 minutes, pop it under the broiler if you love those extra crispy, golden cheese edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the bake is out of the oven and has had a moment to cool, shower it with freshly chopped parsley. This final flourish brings brightness to every bite and adds that “wow” factor to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake right before it hits the table.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

For a gorgeous finish, I always lay on a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, but don’t stop there — thinly sliced basil or a few shavings of extra Parmesan cheese can add even more vibrant flavor and pretty presentation. Cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil makes it feel extra special without any extra effort.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, keeping things light and balancing the richness of the bake. Garlic bread — warm, crusty, and perfect for mopping up any extra sauce — is always a winner. For a colorful twist, serve alongside roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach, which sneak extra veggies onto your plate in a delicious way.

Creative Ways to Present

I love making individual portions in small ramekins for dinner parties or lunchboxes, which look totally charming and feel restaurant-worthy. For a family-style dinner, serve straight from the bubbling casserole pan, or for a playful touch, spoon the pasta into hollowed-out bread bowls. However you choose to present it, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake feels like a celebration every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Put cooled portions into freezer-safe containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving homemade comfort, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you’ll have a cozy, cheesy meal ready with zero fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, heating for 2 to 3 minutes until hot throughout. For bigger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil, for 15 to 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk if the sauce needs loosening up — it refreshes the creamy texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for holding lots of sauce, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente so it keeps its texture in the bake.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

You can swap whole milk for 2% milk and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. The richness will be slightly reduced, but you’ll still get that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?

Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms before baking. It’s a great way to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

What’s the best way to make it ahead?

Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 extra minutes since it will be going into the oven cold.

Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken makes things even quicker. Just shred it and stir it in after you’ve made the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, then proceed as usual for a speedy but still scrumptious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake enough — it’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every layer. Whether you’re making it for a big family dinner, a casual potluck, or just looking to jazz up your weeknight meals, this dish always delivers. Give it a go and watch it become a new staple in your kitchen!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection. A family-favorite dish that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

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

Garnish:

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Combine and bake: Return chicken to the sauce, add cooked pasta, mix, pour into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.