Description
This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food and an easy dinner idea for busy nights. It features juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich homemade parmesan sauce that gets golden and bubbly in the oven. Perfect for weeknight meals, cozy gatherings, or when you need a no-fail recipe packed with flavor. Great as a quick dinner, family meal prep, or even a holiday food idea.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Let simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
7. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Add to the sauce and simmer until cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
8. Stir cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until well coated.
9. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish or keep in the same oven-safe skillet.
10. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
11. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if desired for a crisp top.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t skip broiling the top—it adds irresistible golden color and cheesy crispness.
Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, chicken bake, garlic parmesan, pasta bake, weeknight meal, comfort food, food ideas