Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

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  1. Cook Pasta:
    • Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook Chicken:
    • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
    • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

  1. Sauté Garlic:
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  2. Make Sauce:
    • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
    • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  1. Combine Ingredients:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish:
    • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
  3. Add Cheese:
    • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

Step 4: Bake

  1. Bake in Oven:
    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Success:

  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like cheddar or fontina for additional flavor.
  • Vegetable Additions: You can add sautéed spinach, diced tomatoes, or broccoli florets to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
  • Make-Ahead: You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking as directed.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect for a comforting family dinner or for entertaining guests. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan in every bite!

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