Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a crispy, cheesy topping, this easy casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep!

I first made this when I wanted a hearty, make-ahead meal that was both simple and satisfying. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, coated every bite of pasta, while the bubbly, golden-brown cheese on top made it absolutely irresistible. It quickly became a household favorite!

What’s great about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is how customizable it is. You can add spinach or broccoli for extra greens, swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey, or even use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère for added depth. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later, this baked pasta dish is a guaranteed hit!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Casual dinner parties
Weeknight meals
Comfort food cravings
Garlic and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake will become your go-to recipe:

Rich and Creamy Flavor: A creamy, garlic-infused sauce paired with Parmesan cheese creates a rich, indulgent flavor profile.
Cheesy Goodness: The cheesy, golden-brown crust is perfectly crisp, adding an extra layer of texture.
Tender Chicken: Juicy, perfectly cooked chicken provides the heartiness that balances out the creamy pasta.
Simple Ingredients: A short list of pantry staples results in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, creamy nature of this dish makes it a hit with children and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Versatile: Great for pairing with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Comforting Meal: Perfect for a cozy night in when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
One-Dish Meal: This pasta bake is all-in-one, making cleanup a breeze.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients, adding veggies, extra cheese, or using different types of pasta.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 1 hour (including baking time)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that envelops the pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Chicken: Provides lean protein, making this dish filling and satisfying.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory richness to the flavor profile of the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Chicken:

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Sauce:

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add Cream and Broth: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
Add Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and continue stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Assemble the Bake:

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture.

Bake the Dish:

Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked pasta for added color and flavor. Slice and serve hot.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:

With a Side Salad: Serve with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread for a comforting and satisfying meal.
As a Potluck Dish: Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or potlucks.
With Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
For a Family Feast: Serve with additional side dishes like mashed potatoes or steamed rice for a filling meal.
With a Red Sauce: Add a layer of marinara sauce under the creamy sauce for a tangy twist.
For Lunch Leftovers: This pasta bake makes a great lunch the next day, reheated in the microwave.
As Comfort Food: Serve as a cozy meal when you need something hearty and warm.
For Kids’ Dinners: Great for little ones, served with a side of fruit for a balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Creamy Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes to bring some heat to the dish.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-filled version.
Crispier Topping: For an extra crispy top, broil the pasta bake for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake: Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: Mix in some buffalo sauce to the chicken for a spicy twist.
Chicken Alfredo Bake: Use Alfredo sauce in place of the garlic cream sauce for a richer flavor.
Veggie-Loaded Pasta Bake: Add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Bake: Add spinach and artichoke hearts to the mixture for a cheesy, flavorful variation.
Spaghetti Version: Substitute penne with cooked spaghetti for a different pasta shape.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Zucchini Noodles: Use zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.

Special Equipment

Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the garlic sauce.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and pasta mixture.
Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
Oven Mitts: To safely remove the hot baking dish from the oven.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the pasta bake?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I add extra cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to add extra mozzarella, cheddar, or any cheese you like.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the sauce is creamy and that the pasta is fully coated before baking. You can also add a little extra cream or broth if needed.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less creamy.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy chicken, a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Every bite is packed with savory garlic flavor and gooey, cheesy goodness!

This recipe is easy to customize—swap the chicken for shrimp, add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies, or top with crispy breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal the whole family will love.

I can’t wait to see how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!