Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious and creamy comfort food that’s easy to make and full of rich flavors. Tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce come together in this baked casserole, making it the perfect meal for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Topped with a golden, crispy crust, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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For the Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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For the Pasta Bake:
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12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup milk
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1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
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For the Topping:
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1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
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1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
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Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, and then dice it into bite-sized pieces. -
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside. -
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). -
Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir to combine, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. -
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta bake. -
Bake the Casserole:
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. If you want a more golden crust, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time.
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Serve:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
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Make-Ahead: This pasta bake can be assembled the night before, stored in the fridge, and baked the next day. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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Vegetarian Option: You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead.
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Extra Cheese: If you love extra cheese, feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan to the top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Sauteing
- Cuisine: American, Italian