Description
This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake is a comforting and flavorful main course combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Assembly and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it reaches the proper temperature for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, cook them in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken after about 2 to 3 minutes of simmering.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until the cheese melts completely and sauce is creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and baby spinach (if using) to the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the mozzarella cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
- Substitute penne pasta with rotini or rigatoni for different textures.
- Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to incorporate more vegetables and nutrients.
