Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake 🧄🍗
This creamy, cheesy, garlicky pasta bake is the ultimate comfort dish—tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chicken & Pasta:
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12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta (or gluten-free)
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1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken breasts, cubed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt + ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
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4 tbsp butter
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
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2 cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)
For the Topping:
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½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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2 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta & Chicken
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden (5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds (don’t burn!).
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Whisk in flour to form a roux (1 min).
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Gradually pour in milk + heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Simmer 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.
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Reduce heat to low, stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg until melted.
3. Assemble & Bake
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
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Topping: Mix Panko, Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle over pasta.
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Bake 20-25 mins until bubbly and golden.
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Broil 1-2 mins for extra crispiness (watch closely!).
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Garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
🔥 Extra Cheesy: Add ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce.
🍤 Seafood Swap: Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken.
🥦 Veggie-Packed: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
🍝 Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken + jarred Alfredo sauce (boost with extra garlic and Parmesan).
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with garlic bread and a simple green salad.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Crispy, creamy, and loaded with garlic-Parmesan goodness—this bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 😋🧀
Want it spicy? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce!