Imagine a dish that combines the perfect harmony of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta - a meal so irresistible that it'll have your family racing to the dinner table! This Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is not just another recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will become your new go-to comfort food. With just 45 minutes from start to finish, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes like you've been cooking all day.
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 chicken, shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 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 with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add minced garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pasta and chicken mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Generously dust the top with grated parmesan cheese, ensuring an even coverage for maximum flavor and golden-brown topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and begins to turn golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set and the 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. The difference in taste is remarkable!
- If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as a quick substitute for freshly cooked chicken.
- Want extra crispy cheese on top? Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make this dish ahead of time by assembling everything and refrigerating. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
- For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese quantity slightly without compromising on taste.
- Always let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 21g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
