Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

There’s something magical about a cheesy, creamy pasta bake, especially when it’s packed with the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea or a dish to impress your friends and family, this pasta bake is sure to hit the spot!

Let’s take a deep dive into this recipe and how you can easily create this deliciously satisfying dish that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is So Good

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s talk about why this dish is such a winner:

• Creamy and Cheesy: The sauce is made with butter, garlic, milk, and chicken broth, thickened with a roux and loaded with Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth, creamy base that clings to every piece of pasta.
• Savory and Garlicky: Four cloves of garlic infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory flavor that complements the chicken and cheese perfectly.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: You can use either shredded or diced cooked chicken, making this a great way to use up leftovers or grab a rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut.
• Crispy Topping: The combination of melted mozzarella cheese and golden breadcrumbs creates the perfect crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy pasta beneath.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your house. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.

Now that we’ve gotten your mouth watering, let’s dive into the details of how to make this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:

For the Pasta Bake:

• 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained 🍝 – Rotini is perfect for holding onto all that creamy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced 🍗 – You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook some chicken breasts for this recipe.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 🧈 – Butter forms the base of the roux and adds richness to the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 – The star of the show, garlic infuses the sauce with its irresistible flavor.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 🌾 – Flour helps thicken the sauce to a creamy consistency.
• 2 cups whole milk 🥛 – Whole milk gives the sauce a creamy texture, but you could use 2% or even half-and-half for a richer result.
• 1 cup chicken broth 🥣 – Adds depth and flavor to the sauce while keeping it light.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 – Parmesan cheese provides a nutty, salty kick to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 🌿 – Adds a subtle, earthy flavor to complement the garlic and cheese.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 🌿 – Oregano pairs beautifully with basil and adds a bit of an Italian flair.
• Salt and pepper to taste 🧂🌶️ – Essential for balancing the flavors of the dish.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀 – Mozzarella melts perfectly on top, creating that gooey, cheesy layer we all love.
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs 🍞 – For a crispy, golden topping that adds a delightful crunch.

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 🌿 – Adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen? Here’s how to put together this comforting pasta bake step-by-step.

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick during baking.

2. Cook the Pasta

While your oven is preheating, cook 1 pound of rotini pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously this helps season the pasta from the inside out. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it well and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, you don’t want it to get too soft.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now it’s time to make that creamy, cheesy garlic sauce that will coat every bite of pasta.

• In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
• Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden but not brown.
• Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Gradually Add Liquids

Once your roux is ready, slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Keep stirring to make sure the sauce stays smooth. Cook the mixture for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken. You’re looking for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Pro Tip: If your sauce looks too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

5. Add Cheese and Seasonings

When the sauce has thickened, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

At this point, your kitchen will be smelling absolutely amazing, thanks to the garlic and Parmesan!

6. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Now, take your cooked rotini pasta and 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken, and add them to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

7. Transfer to Baking Dish

Once everything is well-mixed, pour the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so that it bakes consistently.

8. Add Mozzarella and Breadcrumb Topping

For the finishing touch, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, sprinkle 1/2 cup of bread crumbs on top of the mozzarella. This will give your pasta bake a deliciously crispy, cheesy topping.

Pro Tip: If you want extra flavor in your breadcrumbs, toss them with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling them over the pasta.

9. Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The top should be crisp and slightly crunchy, while the inside remains creamy and rich.

10. Garnish and Serve

Once your pasta bake is out of the oven, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake hot, and watch as your family or guests dig in with delight!

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has more flavor than the pre-grated kind you can buy at the store.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: If you’re in a hurry, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to the dish.
• Customize the Toppings: You can swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone or Gruyère for a different cheesy twist. You could also add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs if you like a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides. Here are some ideas to round out your dinner:

• Garlic Bread: You can never have too much garlic! Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta bake.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or asparagus make for a great, healthy side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and can be customized with your favorite pasta, veggies, and toppings. The combination of garlicky cream sauce, tender chicken, and crispy breadcrumb topping will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, cheesy pasta bake, especially when it’s infused with garlic, Parmesan, and hearty chicken. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything you need for a satisfying meal, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend dinner. Easy to make and even easier to eat, it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection!