A comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. Juicy pieces of chicken, a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together under a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. This dish is easy to prepare yet tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan for chicken
- Medium saucepan for the sauce
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Whisk