Description
Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce will make you crave this hearty meal again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed or shredded)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to create an ideal cooking environment at 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable pasta transformation.
- In a spacious skillet, merge olive oil and butter over medium heat, releasing aromatic garlic until its fragrance permeates the kitchen.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce achieves a silky, uniform consistency. Elevate the flavor profile with strategic seasoning of salt, black pepper, and Italian herb blend.
- Integrate tender, pre-cooked chicken pieces and al dente pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each morsel is lavishly coated with the rich, savory mixture.
- Carefully transfer the combined ingredients to a generously greased baking vessel, creating an inviting culinary canvas.
- Generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, adding a layer of crispy breadcrumbs for textural contrast and golden-brown appeal.
- Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble for 20-25 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a cohesive, irresistible casserole.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest momentarily, allowing flavors to settle before serving this comforting pasta bake piping hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor, avoiding pre-minced options that can taste flat and less aromatic.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to add textural variety and visual interest to the dish.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor and reduces meal preparation time.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 747
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg