Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 300g penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet with 1 tbsp butter until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, milk, and cheeses. Cook until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce together in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with more mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
1️⃣ Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook your pasta before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
2️⃣ Sauce Consistency: Ensure your sauce is smooth and slightly thick before combining it with pasta and chicken. A watery sauce can make the bake too runny.
3️⃣ Golden Topping: For an irresistible crispy top, add a layer of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese before baking. It adds a perfect crunch to every bite!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min