Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Baked to perfection, this hearty meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta until al dente, then set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil, season, and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Toss pasta and chicken in sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
