I made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe on one of those evenings when I wanted real comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The smell alone—garlic, butter, and bubbling cheese—made me impatient to dig in. I’ve tested a lot of pasta bakes, but this one instantly became a repeat recipe in my house.

It’s creamy, cozy, and feels a little fancy while still being weeknight-friendly. If you love cheesy pasta with bold garlic flavor, trust me, this bake delivers every single time. You can also enjoy similar comfort with Orecchiette with Mushroom Thyme Sauce Recipe for a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick intro before the list: these ingredients work together to create a rich, creamy, and balanced pasta bake, so quality really matters here.

Penne pasta (12 oz) – Penne holds thick, creamy sauces well and stays firm during baking; cook just until al dente.
Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, diced) – Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor compared to plain boiled chicken.
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. You can pair this technique with Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe for a fun appetizer.
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.
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.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 6 generous servings based on the ingredient quantities listed above.

Variations

This recipe is flexible, and I’ve tweaked it a few times depending on what I had on hand.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, unsweetened almond milk, and dairy-free parmesan and mozzarella alternatives that melt well.
For extra veggies, stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli before baking. Avoid frozen spinach unless fully thawed and squeezed dry.
For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the garlic sauce.
For a protein swap, cooked shrimp or turkey work beautifully in place of chicken.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview before you start cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Before starting, make sure these tools are ready to go.

Large pot – for boiling the pasta evenly
Large skillet – for making the garlic parmesan sauce
Whisk – helps prevent lumps in the sauce
9×13 baking dish – holds the pasta bake perfectly
Wooden spoon – for stirring without scratching cookware

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Before we jump into steps, here’s what to expect: this recipe flows smoothly once your pasta and sauce are ready, so it’s all about timing.

Cook the Pasta

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.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce

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.

Build the Creamy Base

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.

Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted, then add parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The sauce should look smooth and glossy.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add cooked pasta and diced chicken directly into the sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the pasta.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top for that golden, bubbly finish.

Bake Until Bubbly

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the edges are bubbling.

Rest and Garnish

Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish several times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

I always grate cheese fresh because it melts smoother and tastes richer.
I slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy after baking.
I taste the sauce before adding salt since parmesan already adds saltiness.
I let it rest before serving so the sauce thickens and slices cleanly.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

This dish is hearty, so I like to balance it with something light. Serve it with a crisp green salad and a lemony vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. For presentation, sprinkle extra parmesan and fresh parsley right before serving for a restaurant-style finish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick snapshot to help you plan your meal.

Calories: Approx. 520 per serving
Protein: High, thanks to chicken and cheese
Carbohydrates: Moderate from pasta and milk
Fat: Rich and satisfying from dairy and butter

Make Ahead and Storage

Here’s a short intro: this pasta bake is great for meal prep and leftovers.

Make Ahead:
You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it covered. Bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen over time.

Freezing and Reheating:
Freeze fully baked and cooled portions for up to 2 months. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this dish keeps showing up on my dinner table.

It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and clear steps.
The recipe is versatile and works with different proteins and add-ins.
The garlic parmesan flavor is rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a family.

If you’re looking for a cozy, cheesy pasta bake that feels homemade and satisfying, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is one I truly recommend.

Ash Tyrrell