Description

This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with golden, bubbly cheese. It's perfect for busy weeknights and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Penne or rigatoni pasta
1.5 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 cups Heavy cream
1 cup Chicken broth
1.5 cups Freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
6 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons Butter
3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside
Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant
Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about two minutes to create a roux
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking, then add the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes
Stir in one cup of parmesan cheese and one cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste
Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy garlic parmesan sauce over everything and mix well
Top with the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes
Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley

Notes

Don't overcook the pasta initially, as it continues cooking in the oven. Undercook it by about two minutes.

Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting and flavor.

For extra crispy topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 620 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 145mg