Go Back

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy, cheesy pasta bake with tender chicken in rich garlic parmesan sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for topping
  • 6 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Seasonings
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain and set aside.
  3. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.
  4. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden, about 5-6 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken and set aside. Add butter to same skillet and melt over medium heat.
  6. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Sprinkle flour over garlic butter and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
  8. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking, then slowly add cream until smooth.
  9. Add Parmesan cheese, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring until melted.
  10. Return chicken to skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens.
  11. Combine pasta with chicken and sauce mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
  12. Transfer to baking dish and top with mozzarella and additional Parmesan.
  13. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10-15 minutes until golden.
  14. Let rest 5 minutes before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.