Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a creamy garlic sauce come together for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
• 1 lb chicken breast (cooked and diced)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce and cheese.
5. Step 5: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mix before baking.
• You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Leftover pasta bake reheats well in the microwave or oven—add a splash of cream or broth if it seems dry.

Storage

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a little cream or broth before reheating can help maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken breast. Just thaw it completely before dicing and adding to the pasta bake.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate it without baking for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

This Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and diced

Cheese and Dairy

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Liquids and Seasoning

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink inside and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in Italian seasoning. Allow to simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked chicken, the creamy garlic sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the sauce.
4. Assemble the Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken breast with cooked shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild kick.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking for added nutrition and texture.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta bake, garlic chicken pasta, baked pasta casserole, comfort food, easy chicken bake