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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake - featured image
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This easy one-pot pasta bake combines tender chicken, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and gooey mozzarella for a comforting dinner that comes together in under 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Shred or dice cooked chicken and grate cheeses.
  2. In a large oven-safe pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add uncooked pasta, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat pasta. Cover and cook on stovetop for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just shy of al dente.
  5. Stir in cooked chicken, sour cream, 3/4 cup parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, and a pinch of salt for the topping.
  7. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and breadcrumb topping evenly over pasta mixture.
  8. Bake uncovered for 18-22 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.
  9. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and panko. Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Let chicken come to room temperature before mixing in. For extra browning, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. Sauce thickens as it rests.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy garlic parmesan, one-pot dinner, easy pasta bake, comfort food, weeknight meal, casserole, family dinner

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-one-pot-dinner/