If your idea of heaven includes pasta, creamy garlic sauce, and bubbling melted cheese, then you’ve just stumbled on your next favorite dish. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything comfort food should be: warm, flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck favorite, or something to meal prep for the week, this easy chicken pasta bake is an all-time winner.
This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, and a golden baked cheese topping for a truly unforgettable meal. Even better? It uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
⭐ What Makes This Chicken Pasta Bake So Special?
- Creamy Texture: Thanks to cream cheese, milk, and parmesan, the sauce is velvety smooth.
- Garlic-Parmesan Punch: A strong flavor profile that’s bold yet comforting.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist it.
- Customizable: Swap the pasta, use rotisserie chicken, or add veggies.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible, and pantry-friendly ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season diced chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until it melts. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until creamy and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet or a large mixing bowl. Toss everything to coat with the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
🥄 Pro Tips for a Perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and contains anti-caking agents.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Add a crunchy topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and Parmesan for a crispy finish.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
- Double up for leftovers: This dish stores and reheats like a dream. Make two and freeze one!
🍽️ Variations to Try
Looking to mix things up? This dish is super versatile:
- Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms go great in this bake.
- Switch the protein: Use cooked shredded turkey, ground beef, or even tofu.
- Try different pasta: Rotini, rigatoni, or even shells hold sauce well.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
🧠 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even easy recipes have a few traps. Here’s what to watch for:
- Using underseasoned chicken: Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned before cooking—it carries much of the flavor.
- Not letting the sauce thicken: Patience is key. Let the sauce reduce for a few minutes so it clings to the pasta.
- Overbaking: Too long in the oven and your pasta can dry out. 20–25 minutes is perfect.
- Skipping the cheese topping: That melted, golden cheese is what makes this dish irresistible.
- Not pre-cooking pasta: This isn’t a one-pan dump-and-go bake. You need to pre-cook pasta first.
🍴 Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fiber: 2g
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on exact brands and ingredient substitutions.
💬 FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut. Just shred and mix it in after preparing the sauce.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Freeze after assembling (before baking). Wrap tightly and bake from frozen at 375°F for 45–50 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dish without cream cheese?
Yes, substitute with a roux made of butter and flour, plus extra milk and Parmesan.
Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The creamy, cheesy flavors are always a hit with children.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your cheeses are certified gluten-free.
🏁 Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food Done Right
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s hearty, satisfying, easy to prepare, and endlessly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of baking magic, you can create a dish that delights everyone at the table.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish brings joy, flavor, and a bit of indulgence to any table. Try it once, and it’ll become a permanent part of your comfort food rotation.