Introduction:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, all baked to perfection for a satisfying meal that will warm your soul. In this article, we’ll share the recipe for this delicious pasta bake and explore why it’s a beloved choice for families everywhere.
Discover the Allure of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a beloved classic that combines the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken with the comforting warmth of baked pasta. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply seeking a cozy meal for a quiet night in, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the garlic Parmesan sauce. Toss until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for Perfection:
- Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pasta bake from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:
Serving:
- Serve the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake hot straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Pair the pasta bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve individual portions in pasta bowls or on plates for a beautiful presentation at the table.
- Enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day or pack them into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week.
Storage:
- Allow any leftover pasta bake to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring in between.
- You can also reheat the entire pasta bake in the oven. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Avoid freezing the pasta bake, as the creamy sauce may separate and the texture of the pasta could change upon thawing.
Variations of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Add chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts to the pasta bake for a flavorful twist. Mix them in with the pasta and chicken before baking for a delightful combination of flavors.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves to the garlic Parmesan sauce for a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor. Garnish with additional basil before serving for a colorful and aromatic dish.
- Broccoli and Bacon Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Steam or blanch broccoli florets until tender-crisp, then mix them into the pasta bake along with crispy cooked bacon pieces. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, broccoli, and smoky bacon is sure to be a hit.
- Mushroom and Thyme Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until golden brown and tender, then add them to the pasta bake along with fresh thyme leaves. The earthy flavor of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the pasta bake for a spicy kick. Top the pasta with crumbled blue cheese before baking for a delicious Buffalo chicken twist on the classic dish. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?
- Heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. However, the sauce may not be as thick or creamy.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Simply dice or shred the cooked chicken and add it to the pasta during the final assembly step.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to bulk up the dish.
- Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
- What can I serve with this pasta bake?
- This pasta bake pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious on its own as a complete meal.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of the pasta bake for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing.
- How do I reheat leftovers?
- To reheat individual portions, microwave them on high in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat the entire pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Can I customize the seasoning in the sauce?
- Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, Parmesan cheese, or Italian seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can also add herbs like basil, oregano, or rosemary for extra flavor.
- Is this dish kid-friendly?
- Yes, kids usually love the creamy and cheesy flavors of this pasta bake. You can also involve them in the cooking process by letting them help stir the sauce or sprinkle cheese on top before baking.
Conclusion:
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and chicken in a creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this irresistible pasta bake is sure to please. Try our recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
