Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that will satisfy the entire family? Look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s the perfect blend of savory garlic, creamy Parmesan, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together in a cheesy, bubbly casserole. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend meal, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouthwatering recipe, step by step, and get some useful tips on substitutions, variations, and serving suggestions.

What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy casserole dish that combines some of the best flavors in Italian-inspired cooking. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal featuring pasta tossed in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, topped with cooked chicken, and then baked to golden perfection. This dish not only packs a ton of flavor but is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, and it’s ideal for serving a crowd. Best of all, it’s made with simple, accessible ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

To make this delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 2-3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for topping)
• 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Additional Ingredients for an Enhanced Flavor

• ½ cup chicken broth (for extra flavor and creaminess in the sauce)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (adds a sweet, savory note)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a hint of acidity)
• ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for added creaminess)

These ingredients will give you the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy sauce, savory chicken, and aromatic garlic, creating an irresistible pasta bake.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is its versatility. You can make several substitutions or variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Pasta: Use any type of short pasta, such as fusilli, rotini, or farfalle. If you’re gluten-free, swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Chicken: Don’t have cooked chicken on hand? Use turkey, or even leftover roast beef or ham for a fun twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with roasted vegetables or plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
• Cheese: While Parmesan and mozzarella create a creamy texture, you can switch up the cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or Asiago would work well too.
• Milk: For a lighter version, you can substitute whole milk with skim milk or a dairy-free alternative such as almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that using a lower-fat option may result in a thinner sauce.
• Butter: Replace butter with olive oil for a slightly healthier alternative. Coconut oil can also be used for a dairy-free version.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like your pasta bake to have some heat.
• Vegetable boost: Add sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to make the dish more nutritious and filling.

With so many options, you can truly make this recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and know your options for substitutions, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken (If Needed)

If your chicken is not pre-cooked, you can easily prepare it now. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked through. Season with a little salt and pepper. Set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.

Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, making sure there are no lumps. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional chicken broth. Cook until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 7: Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you want an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch it closely to prevent burning.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, a few common mistakes can affect the final outcome:

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking it beforehand can lead to mushy pasta.
• Not thickening the sauce enough: Take the time to let your sauce thicken. If it’s too thin, the pasta bake may turn out watery.
• Forgetting to season: Don’t forget to season both the chicken and the sauce. A well-seasoned dish has layers of flavor, so taste as you go!
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Be sure to keep an eye on it while sautéing to avoid a bitter taste in your sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Here are some tips to make it look as appetizing as it tastes:

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style presentation. Place the dish on a heat-safe trivet on the table and let everyone help themselves.
• Pair this rich, creamy dish with a fresh, crisp side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the flavors.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Garnish the top of the bake with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
• Sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top before serving for an added touch of elegance.
• Serve with slices of warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette on the side to mop up the delicious sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply add 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble the bake but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or cornstarch for the sauce.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Just sauté them before mixing with the pasta and chicken.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with the rich flavors of garlic and chicken. It’s a versatile dish that you can customize with different ingredients, and it’s easy enough to make on a busy weeknight while still being delicious enough to serve for a special occasion. Whether you're making it for your family or a group of friends, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit! Don't forget to try out the substitutions and variations to suit your taste, and enjoy every bite of this flavorful, satisfying meal.

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