Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and a blend of Italian herbs. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Filling:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine ingredients: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, toss to coat. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
