Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and loaded with comfort? Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is precisely that – a sumptuous combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, all harmoniously nestled with perfectly cooked pasta. Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden-brown casserole from the oven, where the aroma of garlic dances in the air, enticing everyone around. Growing up, my family would have these delicious, hearty meals on chilly evening gatherings, and it instantly became a tradition.
The best part? This recipe is simple enough for even the busiest weeknight but special enough to make an appearance at family gatherings! If you loved my Cheesy Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells, you’re going to adore this bake—even if it is, dare I say, a little more indulgent!
What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
So, what exactly is this culinary masterpiece known as Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake? Well, let me ask you, do you remember a time when a dish made your heart sing? This dish is an amalgamation of perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. But honestly, who came up with the grand idea of submerging pasta and chicken in this exquisite concoction? It’s a culinary mystery worthy of exploration!
As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish undoubtedly has a unique charm that speaks volumes during family dinners. Ready to transform mealtime into a joyful experience? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
If you’re in search of a showstopper main dish that can be whipped up in a flash, look no further! The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake not only hits all those necessary comfort-food notes, but it also stands out as a cost-effective option compared to dining out. Home cooking saves pennies and guarantees ingredients that suit everyone’s palate.
Picture this: fork-tender chicken meets creamy sauce, enveloped in cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth. On top, a crispy layer of Parmesan brings everything to life! It’s reminiscent of a comforting mac and cheese but with a delightful twist. If you’re ready to braid these combinations together in your own kitchen, gather your ingredients—let’s bake something amazing!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Quick Overview
This dish is an easy crowd-pleaser that you can prepare in no time. In just 15 to 20 minutes of prep, and an additional 30 to 35 minutes of baking, you’ll have a beautifully baked dish that offers a delightful crunch on top, with creamy noodles and tender chicken below. What are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s hot and ready for your delightful dish.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta to the chicken mixture. Fold in half of the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, saving the rest for the topping.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top. Feel free to add extra Parmesan for that irresistible crust!
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil (to prevent excessive browning) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the bake is done, garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot, and watch your family devour it!
Top Tips for Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Substitutions: Don’t hesitate to switch up the protein! Cooked shrimp or halal turkey could easily be swapped with the chicken.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the pasta while cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the bake.
- Common Mistakes: Be sure to not overload on cream; too much can make it overly rich and can alter the baking time. Stick to the recommended amounts for the best result.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake makes for excellent leftovers. Simply cover and refrigerate the dish for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw if frozen, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to maintain moisture and avoid burning the top.
Don’t let a single bite go to waste; this dish will have you dreaming of delicious meals long after the leftovers are gone!
Now that you have the lowdown on this amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, get your apron on and start cooking. Your family won’t be able to resist the deliciousness that awaits!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or boiled)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Add the drained pasta to the chicken mixture. Fold in half of the shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, saving the rest for topping.
- Carefully pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses on top, adding extra Parmesan for an irresistible crust.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil to prevent excessive browning and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Once the bake is done, garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot, and enjoy!
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