Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, tender chicken, and perfectly melted Parmesan - a meal so irresistible it'll have your family racing to the dinner table! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that can be prepared in under an hour.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Ensure the pasta is well-drained and the chicken is evenly shredded.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic oils to enhance the dish's flavor profile.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together marinara sauce, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pasta and chicken, gently folding to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the pasta, creating a rich and golden crust.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged varieties.
- Ensure your pasta is al dente before mixing with the sauce to prevent mushiness.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- For a crispy top, broil the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to achieve a golden-brown cheese crust.
- Experiment with adding extra vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for additional nutrition and flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 345kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
