Description
A creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake made with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce baked to golden perfection. Comfort food at its best!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound penne or ziti – Holds the sauce well.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons – For cooking chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: 1 1/2 pounds, boneless and skinless – Cooked and diced.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons – Base of the sauce.
- Garlic: 5 cloves, minced – For bold flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons – Thickens the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups – Base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups – For richness and creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 1/2 cups, grated – Adds salty, nutty flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded – Melty, gooey topping.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste – For seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped – For garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside. In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden. Remove and dice.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in flour to make a roux. Whisk in broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir Parmesan, salt, and pepper into sauce. Toss with pasta and chicken. Transfer to baking dish.
- Cook to Perfection: Top with mozzarella, cover with foil, and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes more until golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly under al dente—it finishes in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Broil last 2 minutes for a golden top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg