Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta; 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded; 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce; 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake – doesn’t that just sound like a warm, comforting hug in a dish? If you’ve been searching for that quintessential weeknight meal that combines irresistible flavors with minimal fuss, you’ve landed in the right place. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic parmesan sauce, crowned with golden, bubbly cheese, and baked to perfection. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that transforms ordinary dinner into an extraordinary moment of culinary delight.

While the precise origin of every pasta bake is hard to pinpoint, the concept of combining pasta, sauce, and cheese into a baked casserole has deep roots in various culinary traditions, particularly within Italian-American kitchens, where hearty, family-style dishes take center stage. It’s a testament to the ingenious way simple ingredients can be elevated into something truly spectacular, designed for sharing and savoring.

People absolutely adore this dish for so many reasons. Its incredible taste profile, featuring the savory notes of garlic, the sharp tang of Parmesan, and the comforting creaminess, makes it an instant crowd-pleaser for all ages. The harmonious blend of textures – the tender chicken, the chewy pasta, and the gooey, crispy cheese topping – offers a delightful sensory journey with every forkful. Plus, the sheer convenience of a one-pan (or one-dish) meal that comes together relatively quickly and allows for easy leftovers is a massive bonus for busy households. Get ready to fall in love with this ultimate Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake; it’s destined to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (approximately 900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (approximately 340g) penne, rigatoni, or your preferred short pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pasta)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed (or 2 cups milk + 1 cup half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping (optional, for extra gooeyness)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is best!)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste (adjust based on chicken broth and cheese salinity)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
For Assembling and Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy crust)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using panko)
- Extra Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese for the top layer
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Preparation: Getting Everything Ready for Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, take out a 9×13 inch (approximately 23×33 cm) baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little butter. This ensures our delicious pasta bake won’t stick and makes for easy serving later.
Prepare and Season the Chicken: Lay your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Uniform pieces are important because they will cook evenly. Transfer the chicken cubes to a medium-sized bowl. Now, it’s time to infuse them with flavor! Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper over the chicken. Toss everything together really well with your hands or a spoon, making sure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. This initial seasoning is crucial for building deep flavor in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
Chop and Measure: Take a moment to prepare all your other ingredients. Mince your garlic cloves – you’ll want about 1 tablespoon. Grate your Parmesan cheese if it’s not pre-grated; fresh is always best for flavor and melting consistency. If you’re using fresh parsley, chop it finely. Measure out your milk, broth, and heavy cream. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready, a concept known as “mise en place,” will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Cooking the Chicken and Pasta: Building the Foundation

Sear the Chicken: Place a large skillet or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook the chicken in two batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that lovely golden-brown crust we’re looking for. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until it’s nicely browned and mostly cooked through. It doesn’t need to be completely cooked at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Reserve any drippings in the pan – these flavorful bits will contribute to our sauce.
Cook the Pasta Al Dente: While the chicken is searing or resting, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding a good amount of salt to the pasta water is essential as it’s the only chance to season the pasta itself. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water (this helps prevent the pasta from sticking together) and then add your chosen pasta (penne, rigatoni, etc.). Cook the pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente, which means it should still be firm to the bite. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook and absorb sauce in the oven. It’s usually about 1-2 minutes less than the package recommends for fully cooked pasta. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta well. Do NOT rinse the pasta! Rinsing removes the starches that help the sauce adhere beautifully.

Crafting the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce: The Heart of the Bake

Sauté the Garlic: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it, those browned bits add so much flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. We’re looking for a lovely aroma and a light golden color.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour into the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth paste, known as a roux. This roux is the thickening agent for our rich and creamy sauce. It should turn a very pale golden color and smell slightly nutty. Cooking the flour prevents a raw flour taste in the final sauce.
Whisk in Liquids Gradually: Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour in the warmed whole milk (or milk and half-and-half) and chicken broth into the roux, whisking constantly and vigorously. This is a critical step to prevent lumps in your sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The sauce will become velvety and luscious.
Introduce the Cream and Seasonings: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, but do not allow it to come to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remember, the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness.
Melt in the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat. Now for the star of the show: the cheese! Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese (if using) to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheeses are completely melted and incorporated, creating a gorgeously smooth and undeniably cheesy sauce. The residual heat from the sauce is usually enough to melt the cheese perfectly without it seizing. You want this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake sauce to be incredibly smooth and luxurious.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. This adds a wonderful pop of freshness and color to our rich sauce.

Assembling and Baking Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: The Grand Finale

Combine Ingredients: In a very large mixing bowl, combine the cooked al dente pasta, the seared chicken pieces, and the glorious creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, velvety sauce. Take your time with this step to ensure every nook and cranny is filled with flavor.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure it’s distributed nicely so that every portion gets a bit of chicken and pasta.
Add Toppings (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. If you desire a truly crispy, golden-brown crust, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss it with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this buttered panko mixture evenly over the cheese layer. This breadcrumb topping adds an incredible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior of your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake.
Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the baking dish into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta bake is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. If you used the panko topping, it should be delightfully crispy and golden. If you want an even darker, crispier top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it very carefully to prevent burning!

Serving Your Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Rest and Garnish: Once you pull your magnificent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake from the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let it rest on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil before serving. The vibrant green herbs add a lovely fresh contrast to the rich, creamy dish.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a hearty main course. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that amazing sauce. Your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma, promising a truly comforting and satisfying meal. Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey today, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about this incredible dish. There are some recipes that just hit different, aren’t there? They warm you from the inside out, satisfy every craving, and leave you feeling utterly content. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is absolutely one of those recipes, and it’s precisely why I consider it an absolute must-try for everyone, regardless of your cooking skill level.

What makes this dish so remarkably special, you ask? It’s the perfect harmony of rich, creamy textures, robust garlic flavor, and the irresistible tang of Parmesan cheese, all enveloping tender chunks of chicken and perfectly al dente pasta. Every single forkful is a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to pure comfort food bliss. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, yet elegant enough to impress guests at your next dinner party. Imagine a cozy evening at home, the aroma of garlic and cheese filling your kitchen, and then that first bite – pure magic. It truly embodies everything wonderful about home cooking: comfort, flavor, and the joy of sharing a fantastic meal with loved ones. I promise you, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.

Making It Your Own: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

While this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is undeniably fantastic as is, I love encouraging creativity in the kitchen! Here are some ideas to help you serve it up or personalize it even further:

Serving Suggestions:

Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the pasta bake. It adds a refreshing crunch and helps balance the meal.
Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Oh, the absolute joy of mopping up every last bit of that luscious creamy sauce with a piece of warm, crusty bread! Garlic bread takes it a step further, complementing the flavors beautifully.
Steamed Vegetables: A side of lightly steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add a welcome touch of freshness and extra nutrients to your plate.
Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Grigio would pair wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy notes of the dish.

Creative Variations:

Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in more goodness? Sautéed spinach, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even roasted cherry tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Stir them in with the chicken or layer them in the bake.
Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce or sprinkled on top before baking will give it a lovely kick.
Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is key, don’t hesitate to experiment! A mix of mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp white cheddar could add different dimensions of flavor and meltiness.
Protein Swap: Not a fan of chicken, or just want to try something new? Cooked Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference), shrimp, or even leftover shredded turkey could work beautifully in this bake.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensuring all other ingredients are GF certified.
Different Pasta Shapes: While penne or ziti are classic, feel free to use rotini, rigatoni, or even cavatappi. The key is a pasta shape that can hold onto that wonderful sauce.

So, there you have it! A recipe designed to bring joy and incredible flavor to your table. I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired to roll up your sleeves and give this wonderful recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Don’t just bookmark this recipe – make it! I am so confident that you will adore the outcome. Once you’ve had a chance to whip up your own batch of this delightful Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, please come back and share your experience with me. I absolutely love hearing how recipes turn out for you. Did you add any fun variations? What was your favorite part? Drop a comment below, or even better, share a picture on social media and tag me! Your cooking adventures inspire us all. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single mouthwatering bite!