Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- 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
