Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate easy dinner idea when you need something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, it’s a comforting family favorite perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or gatherings. This easy recipe is packed with protein and cheese, baked until golden, and ideal for anyone craving classic comfort food. Great for lunch leftovers or a quick dinner, this is one of those food ideas you’ll keep coming back to!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (or thighs)
12 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil the penne pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a skillet until golden and fully cooked. Dice into pieces.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in parmesan cheese and let simmer to thicken slightly.
5. Combine pasta, cooked chicken, and sauce in a large bowl or baking dish. Mix well.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra parmesan on top.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken.
Let the sauce simmer to thicken before baking.
Avoid overcooking the pasta—it finishes in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken pasta, pasta bake, creamy pasta, family meal