If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that feels indulgent but is simple to make, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is exactly what you need. Loaded with tender chicken, a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce, and baked pasta topped with gooey melted cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This baked pasta dish checks all the comfort food boxes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough for home cooks of any skill level. Everything comes together with simple pantry ingredients, and the oven does the final work — giving you a golden, bubbly topping that makes every bite irresistible.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can prep it ahead, reheat leftovers easily, or serve it to a crowd without stress. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or hosting a casual dinner, this pasta bake delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward ingredients that blend together beautifully:
- Cooked chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Rigatoni or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- Heavy cream for a rich, velvety sauce
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping
- Minced garlic for bold flavor
- Butter and olive oil
- Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it hold its texture while baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and fully cooked, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
- Add veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms blend in well
- Extra cheesy: Add a sprinkle of parmesan on top before baking
- Meal prep friendly: Assemble ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake
- Pasta options: Rotini, ziti, or shells work great too
Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm, indulgent dinner made with tender chicken, a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, and pasta baked under a gooey golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, leftovers, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Return cooked chicken to the sauce. Add drained pasta and stir until evenly coated.
7. Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half (sauce will be slightly thinner).
Add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Slightly undercook pasta (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat until hot and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 165
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this pasta bake with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a reliable go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.