Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-dish meal is family-friendly, customizable, and makes delicious leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta option)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Produce & Seasonings
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the pasta just shy of al dente according to package instructions to avoid mushiness. Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Garlic and Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Slowly whisk in heavy cream while stirring constantly. Add Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce: Transfer cooked pasta and chicken to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce over them, add mozzarella cheese, and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Slightly undercook pasta to maintain firmness after baking.
- Lightly sauté garlic to avoid bitterness and preserve flavor.
- Mix cheeses into sauce and pasta, then layer more cheese on top for a golden crust.
- Use heavy cream for rich, silky sauce or half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Let casserole rest before serving to ensure clean slices and enhanced flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, pasta casserole, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy casserole, weeknight dinner, family-friendly, one-dish meal, comfort food