Description
Tender pasta and juicy chicken baked in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce, finished with a golden, melty mozzarella top. Cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces penne, cooked just shy of al dente
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups shredded or cubed
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves minced
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 1/2 cups
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup freshly grated
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Boil pasta in well salted water until just shy of al dente, then drain.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a large skillet over medium heat warm olive oil, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute, whisking.
- Assemble the Dish: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust. Fold in drained pasta and chicken to coat.
- Cook to Perfection: Transfer mixture to the prepared dish, top evenly with mozzarella, cover loosely with foil, and bake 15 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Remove foil and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until bubbling and lightly golden. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate from a block for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
- Undercook the Pasta: Pull it a minute early so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
- Rest Before Serving: A brief rest helps the sauce set and turn extra creamy.
- Veggie Boost: Fold in a few handfuls of spinach or blanched broccoli before baking.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 5 to 10 minutes to bake time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake, chicken casserole, weeknight dinner, make ahead, comfort food, pasta bake