Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce baked to perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and assemble: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, Chicken Pasta Bake, Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake, Pasta Bake Recipe