Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Topped with golden melted cheese, this bake is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, fully cooked and shredded into small pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz of fusilli or penne pasta, boiled until firm to the bite (al dente)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk or heavy cream for an extra indulgent texture
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken
Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then season the shredded chicken with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper before sautéing for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about one minute.
- Gradually add flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and the prepared creamy garlic Parmesan sauce in a large bowl until everything is well-coated. Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Top the dish with a layer of shredded mozzarella and an extra sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
- Add Veggies: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.
- Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
- Prep Time: Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg