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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The rich and savory flavors come together beautifully in the oven, creating a crispy, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or looking for a satisfying dinner, this pasta bake is a guaranteed hit!

Ingredients

Scale

For the pasta:

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the topping:

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the cooked chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.

Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.

Combine cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and sauce in a large bowl, mixing well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the pasta along with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

 

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
  • Cheese Tip: For the best texture and melt, use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella rather than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To keep it creamy, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating in the oven or microwave.
  • Customization: Feel free to add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted tomatoes for extra nutrition, or swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or sausage.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or try zu

Find it online: https://claradelish.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-bake-2/