Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Posted on January 29, 2026

Baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta topped with cheese and herbs

introduction

This warm, cheesy weeknight dish is comfort food at its best — creamy, garlicky, and easy to feed a crowd. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe brings together tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious garlic-parmesan sauce that bakes to a bubbly, golden top. For a lighter spin or meal-prep ideas, check out a healthy twist on this flavor combo at Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe:

Family-friendly: mild, cheesy flavors that kids and adults both love.
Make-ahead + freezer-friendly: assemble now, bake later for busy nights.
Comforting texture: creamy sauce with a crispy, bubbly cheese top.
Quick protein: rotisserie or leftover chicken keeps prep under 30 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser: great for potlucks, game nights, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients Needed

Protein

Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, diced – Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor compared to plain boiled chicken.)

Pasta

Penne pasta (12 oz – Penne holds thick, creamy sauces well and stays firm during baking; cook just until al dente.)

Sauce & Dairy

Butter (4 tablespoons – Forms the base of the garlic sauce and adds richness; unsalted butter gives better salt control.)
Garlic (4 cloves, minced – Fresh garlic delivers stronger aroma and flavor than jarred or powdered garlic.)
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons – Thickens the sauce smoothly without making it heavy or gummy.)
Milk (2 cups – Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, but 2% works if needed.)
Heavy cream (½ cup – Adds luxurious richness and prevents the sauce from drying out while baking.)
Cream cheese (4 oz, softened – Gives the sauce body and a slight tang; soften it first so it melts evenly.)
Parmesan cheese (1½ cups, freshly grated – Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes sharper than pre-shredded.)
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded – Creates that golden, bubbly, stretchy topping everyone loves.)

Spices & Finish

Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon – Adds balanced herbal notes that enhance the garlic and cheese flavors.)
Salt (½ teaspoon, adjust to taste – Parmesan is naturally salty, so add gradually and taste as you go.)
Black pepper (½ teaspoon – Adds gentle heat and depth without overpowering the sauce.)
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped – Optional garnish that adds freshness and visual appeal.)

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Slightly undercooking helps the pasta hold up during baking.
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute to remove the raw taste.
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted, then add parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The sauce should look smooth and glossy.
Add cooked pasta and diced chicken directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling.
Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast.

Serving Suggestions Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Serve with a crisp green salad (arugula or mixed greens) dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls make this a full comfort-food meal.
Add roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes) on the side or mixed into the bake.
For a lighter plate, pair with steamed green beans and a squeeze of lemon.

Tips for Success Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Use freshly grated Parmesan: it melts smoother and gives a brighter flavor than pre-shredded.
Slightly undercook the pasta by 1–2 minutes; it will finish cooking in the oven and stay tender, not mushy.
Soften cream cheese to room temp before stirring—this prevents lumps in the sauce.
Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt carefully—Parmesan adds a lot of saltiness.
If sauce seems thin, simmer a few extra minutes; if too thick, whisk in a splash of milk.
Make ahead tip: assemble in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 10–15 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

variation (if any)

Veggie-packed: fold in 2 cups of sautéed spinach and mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Spicy: add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
Gluten-free: swap penne for a gluten-free pasta and use GF flour or cornstarch for thickening.
Low-carb: use ziti-style chickpea pasta or blanched cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cooked chicken?
A: Yes—thaw and reheat briefly, then dice. Ensure it’s drained well to avoid adding extra moisture to the bake.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk if sauce tightens.

Q: Can I freeze the assembled bake?
A: Yes. Assemble but don’t bake, then cover tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add 10–15 minutes to baking time.

Q: Can I swap the chicken for another protein?
A: Absolutely—rotisserie turkey, cooked shrimp, or Italian sausage (cooked and sliced) all work well.

Q: Why did my sauce get grainy?
A: Overheating or adding cheese too quickly can cause graininess. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses slowly; use low simmer heat.

Conclusion

If you want another version to compare techniques or flavors, see the well-loved take on the dish at Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake – Bowl Me Over. Enjoy this cozy, shareable pasta bake for weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a crowd.