If you’re craving a comforting, family-friendly dinner, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic parmesan sauce come together in one baked dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This recipe checks all the boxes for a go-to dinner favorite. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and bakes into a bubbling, golden casserole that feels both indulgent and satisfying. The garlic-infused cream sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the melted mozzarella topping adds irresistible stretch and richness. Best of all, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked chicken breasts, chopped
- Rigatoni or penne pasta
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory bake without any complicated steps or specialty items.
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. Cooking the pasta just until tender ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
Step 2: Sauté 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 cooked through, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then stir in the pasta until everything is evenly coated in the garlic parmesan sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Add vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms blend perfectly into the creamy sauce.
- Lighten it up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if desired.
- Extra cheesy: Add a little more mozzarella or parmesan for an ultra-rich bake.
- Pasta options: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe.
- Make ahead: Assemble the bake and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A warm, indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake made with tender chicken, rigatoni (or penne), and a rich garlic-parmesan cream sauce, finished with a bubbly golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a 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. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 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.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth.
4. Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir in the pasta until everything is evenly coated.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a handful of spinach when tossing pasta in the sauce.
Substitutions: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or swap half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat until hot and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this creamy pasta bake with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Leftovers can be stored 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 | ~38g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fat | ~32g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~720mg |
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s comforting, flavorful, and simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, this cheesy pasta bake is always a win.