Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort-food casserole, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, garlic, and rich parmesan flavor. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meals.
With simple ingredients and big flavor, this pasta bake delivers everything you love about creamy garlic parmesan dishes in one cozy, oven-baked pan.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy – Rich garlic parmesan sauce
- Hearty & Filling – Chicken + pasta in every bite
- Family-Friendly – Mild flavors everyone loves
- Perfect Make-Ahead Meal – Great for meal prep
- Easy to Customize – Add veggies or spice
- Comfort Food Favorite – Always a crowd-pleaser
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and simmer until thickened.
Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and sauce.
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
4. Add Cheese & Bake
Top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve
Let rest 5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve
Plating Tips:
Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Great Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
Leftover Uses:
- Reheat for lunch
- Turn into a creamy pasta skillet
- Stuff into wraps
Beverage Pairing:
- Sparkling water
- Lemon iced tea
- Light white wine
Additional Tips
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor
- Don’t overcook pasta before baking
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
- For extra crisp top, broil 2–3 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes
- Creamier Bake: Use heavy cream
- Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with cauliflower
- Extra Cheesy: Add provolone or fontina
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerate: Up to 4 days
Freeze: Up to 2 months
Reheat: Oven or microwave with a splash of milk
Special Equipment
- Pasta pot
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Whisk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it works perfectly and saves time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Use low heat when melting parmesan.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is creamy, comforting, and packed with rich garlic-parmesan flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this baked pasta dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
