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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole
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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy one-dish meal combining tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce baked to golden perfection. Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, and family-friendly meals, delivering savory, mild garlic flavor with a luscious creamy texture that coats every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2–3 chicken breasts, tender and juicy

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, rigatoni)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a gentle kick)

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly, then slice it into pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente according to package instructions (slightly undercooked is best). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt additional butter and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl or directly in the casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on the edges.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta absorbs more sauce during baking.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up for easier serving.
  • Customize cheese blends by mixing mozzarella with provolone or fontina for added flavor and gooey texture.
  • Add a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling on top before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken pasta casserole, easy weeknight casserole, chicken pasta bake

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-casserole/