Craving a warm, hearty dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further! My Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a cheesy topping, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please everyone around the table. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups penne pasta
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Gathering the right ingredients is key. For the pasta, I love using penne. It holds the sauce well. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken from another meal.
Garlic gives the dish a nice kick. Fresh garlic works best, but you can use jarred if needed. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half is a good choice.
Now, let’s talk cheese! Mozzarella brings that gooey texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty taste. If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap it out.
Olive oil helps sauté the garlic. Italian seasoning adds depth, but you can use your favorite herbs too. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Lastly, breadcrumbs create a crispy topping. Fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, consider using coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Alternatives for chicken: If you want a meatless option, try mushrooms or cooked lentils.
– Dairy-free options: Use coconut cream and non-dairy cheese to keep it creamy.
– Pasta variations: You can swap penne for rotini, fusilli, or shells. Each pasta has a unique shape and texture.
These substitutions let you customize the dish to fit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy the cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preparing the pasta
First, cook the penne pasta. Follow the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means it should be firm to bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is key because overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the bake.
Meal prep tips
To save time, you can prep ingredients ahead. Cook the chicken the day before or use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley in advance. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when it’s time to cook.
Cooking Instructions
Sautéing garlic and making the sauce
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add three cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for one to two minutes until you smell that lovely aroma. Next, stir in one cup of heavy cream and one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let this simmer for about three minutes. This will create a rich, creamy sauce.
Combining ingredients
Now, add two cups of shredded chicken to the skillet. Mix it well so that the chicken is coated in the sauce. In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture. Add half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until well combined.
Baking and Serving
Proper baking techniques
Transfer your pasta bake mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top it with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. For some crunch, sprinkle half a cup of breadcrumbs evenly on top. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden and bubbly top.
Serving suggestions
Once baked, take the dish out and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the dish hold its shape. Before serving, garnish with chopped parsley. Pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Pasta Bake
To get the best texture, cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. It will soak up more sauce when you bake it, keeping your dish from being mushy. When seasoning, use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Don’t skip the salt and pepper! They enhance all the tastes in your pasta bake.
Time-Saving Tips
You can prepare some of the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the chicken and pasta a day before. Store them in the fridge. When it’s time to bake, you can mix them in a snap. If you need to save time, use rotisserie chicken. It is already cooked, and it saves you effort. You can also swap penne for any pasta shape you have on hand.
Serving and Presentation Tips
For a beautiful touch, sprinkle fresh parsley on top just before serving. It adds color and freshness. When plating, use a large spoon to serve the pasta bake. Create a nice mound in the center of the plate. You can also add a side salad for a healthy balance. This makes the meal look complete and tasty. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can make this dish even better by adding some veggies. Spinach and mushrooms are great choices. They add color and nutrients. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini for a crunchy bite. Just sauté them with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream.
Cheese lovers will enjoy mixing different cheeses. You could swap mozzarella for gouda or add some cheddar for a sharp taste. Feta cheese can work too, giving a nice tangy flavor. Just remember to keep the balance so the dish stays creamy and rich.
Dietary Variants
For those who need gluten-free meals, it’s easy to adapt this recipe. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne. There are many brands available that taste great. Just follow the cooking time on the package to get it right.
If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options, you can skip the chicken. Use chickpeas or lentils for protein. To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
These variations let you enjoy the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake in new ways. Explore different flavors and make it your own! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section.
Storage Info
Refrigerating and Freezing
To store leftovers, let the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Cut the pasta bake into individual portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
To properly reheat, first, take the pasta bake out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. If it’s a bit dry, add a splash of cream or broth. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s hot. For the best results, you can also reheat it in a microwave. Just heat it in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy your meal!
FAQs
Common Questions
How to make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake from scratch?
You can make this dish with simple steps. First, cook the penne pasta. Then sauté minced garlic in olive oil. Add heavy cream and seasonings to the garlic. Mix in the shredded chicken, then combine everything with the pasta and cheese. Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes, using leftover chicken is a great idea. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken into small pieces before mixing it in the creamy sauce.
What can I pair with Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?
This dish pairs well with a green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread or steamed veggies. These sides balance the richness of the pasta bake.
How long does it take to bake the dish?
It takes about 20 to 25 minutes to bake. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before serving to avoid burns. For the full recipe, check the earlier section.
This blog post covered the full recipe for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. We discussed the key ingredients and substitutions, plus step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfecting the dish and creative variations to suit different tastes. We also explored storage practices and answered common questions.
In conclusion, you can easily make this dish your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s fun to prepare!
