Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy: The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples like pasta, chicken, garlic, and cheese.
• One-Pot Wonder: This dish is easy to assemble and bakes all together in one pan, saving you time on cleanup.
• Customizable: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to make it even heartier.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4. Add Cream and Broth: Add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Combine with Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine everything well. Once mixed, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

7. Bake: Sprinkle the top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese (optional for extra cheesiness). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

8. Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can stir in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for some heat.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using cheddar cheese or fontina cheese in place of or in addition to the mozzarella and Parmesan for a different flavor.
• Pasta Variety: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, such as rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the dish. Just shred the chicken and add it to the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce, but the dish will be slightly less creamy.

Can I make this without cheese?

For a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives or substitute more chicken broth and seasonings to create a flavorful sauce without the cheese.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add more garlic to this recipe?

Absolutely! If you love garlic, feel free to add more minced garlic or even garlic powder to taste.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Can I make this in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller baking dish, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this recipe lighter?

You can lighten the recipe by using low-fat cream or milk, as well as reducing the amount of cheese.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, cheesy garlic sauce, and perfectly baked pasta, it’s a dish that will satisfy your cravings and become a new family favorite. The best part? It’s quick and easy to make, so you can enjoy this delicious casserole on busy weeknights without spending hours in the kitchen. Add your favorite veggies, adjust the seasonings, and make this dish your own!

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