Easy & Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Craving a mouthwatering garlic chicken pasta bake that transforms weeknight dinners?

Comfort flows through every creamy, cheesy bite of this simple dish.

Pasta lovers will adore how quickly this meal comes together in one pan.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic garlic create a magical combination.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with these straightforward ingredients.

Perfectly seasoned and wonderfully satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal.

You won’t believe how delicious something so easy can taste!

Pasta Bake That’s Creamy, Garlicky, and Family-Approved

• Quick and Effortless Creation: Whip up this mouthwatering pasta bake with minimal cooking skills, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep comfort food cravings with its rich, garlicky flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Adaptable for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe delights both kids and adults with its universal appeal and simple ingredients.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily swap chicken for other proteins, adjust seasonings, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Must-Have List

• Chicken: Tender and shredded protein base for the pasta bake.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and flavorful cheese that adds richness to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden brown crust.

• Pasta: Classic base for the comforting dish.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and luxurious sauce ingredient.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that enhances overall taste.

• Garlic, Olive Oil: Fragrant base that builds flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance taste.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy topping for extra texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish for color and freshness.

Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Made Cheesy and Satisfying

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sizzle the Garlic

Grab a large skillet and pour in some olive oil. Toss in finely chopped garlic and let it dance around the pan until it becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

• Italian seasoning
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Let the mixture bubble gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens up nicely.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Take the skillet off the heat.

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Protein

• Cooked pasta
• Shredded chicken

Pour the dreamy garlic sauce over everything and toss until every bite is coated with deliciousness.

Step 6: Build Your Masterpiece

Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly cheese top that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Shower with fresh chopped parsley, bring to the table, and get ready for some serious comfort food happiness!

Pasta Bake Tips That Keep Garlic Chicken Creamy

• Enhance Garlic Flavor: Roast fresh garlic before adding to the sauce for a deeper, more mellow taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Shred rotisserie chicken or use leftover roasted chicken to ensure maximum moisture and tenderness in the pasta bake.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Boost Nutrition: Add chopped spinach or kale to the pasta mixture for extra vitamins and a pop of green color that blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
• Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or advance planning.

Store Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta is completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta bake to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping portions separate for easier thawing.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in oven-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top layer.

Garlic Pasta Bake with Chicken Serving Ideas

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy, garlicky sauce and cut through the richness of the cheese.
• Serve with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy bake.
• Match with Garlic Bread Sides: Prepare herb-infused garlic bread to enhance the garlic flavors and provide a crunchy texture alongside the creamy pasta.
• Complement with Light Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied pinot noir to harmonize with the chicken and provide a subtle, smooth accompaniment to the cheesy dish.

Tea Bombs Soothing Mixes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream and cheeses with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based friendly option that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious garlic chicken flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the protein content and overall recipe structure.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The creamy garlic sauce will still be delicious.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or include a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top when serving for an extra kick.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the pasta bake and cover with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Easy & Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Garlic chicken pasta bake brings soul-warming comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Rich cheese blankets tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Liquid and Creamy Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Select a spacious skillet and drizzle olive oil across its surface. Introduce minced garlic, allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by incorporating Italian seasoning, velvety heavy cream, and savory chicken broth. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, transforming into a luxurious, slightly thickened sauce over 5-7 minutes.
4. Integrate shredded Parmesan, stirring until completely dissolved. Calibrate the taste with salt and pepper, then temporarily remove from heat.
5. Consolidate cooked pasta and tender shredded chicken in a generously sized mixing bowl. Cascade the fragrant garlic Parmesan sauce, thoroughly coating each ingredient.
6. Gracefully transfer the pasta medley into the prepared baking dish. Lavishly distribute mozzarella cheese across the surface. Optional: Create a crisp topping by mixing breadcrumbs with a whisper of olive oil and sprinkling over the cheese layer.
7. Introduce the dish to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the cheese bubbles and achieves a golden-brown complexion.
8. Finalize the presentation by scattering fresh parsley, then serve immediately to capture maximum flavor and warmth.

Notes

• Customize your chicken by using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and reduces cooking steps.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to create a lighter version of this creamy pasta bake that’s lower in calories.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free meal by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg