Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with 5-Cheese Garlic Bread
This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy Parmesan-coated pasta, baked to perfection with a golden cheesy crust. It’s a satisfying, easy-to-make meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Served alongside cheesy garlic bread, it’s a comfort food dream!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 box (16 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs), cubed or shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for mixing into the pasta)
- 1-2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (for the topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes for spice if desired)
- Optional additions: a splash of cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess, fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish
For the 5-Cheese Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf of garlic bread (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese blend (a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, provolone, and Monterey Jack for extra cheesiness)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente (firm to the bite). This is important because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it to be mushy.
- Tip: Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining it. This starchy water can be used later to help make the sauce creamy.
- Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. The starch helps the sauce stick to the pasta.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cube or shred the chicken: If you’re using cubed chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer shredded chicken, you can cook the breasts whole and shred them after.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture over the chicken cubes or breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 7-9 minutes for cubes, or 10-12 minutes if cooking whole breasts.
- If cooking whole breasts, shred them using two forks once they’re fully cooked.
3. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Add Parmesan: When the pasta is nearly done, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese directly into the drained pasta. The warmth of the pasta will help melt the cheese, creating a creamy texture.
- Mix in chicken: Add the cooked chicken (whether cubed or shredded) into the cheesy pasta. Stir to combine everything thoroughly.
- If the pasta looks dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce. You can also stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for extra creaminess at this stage.
4. Prepare the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the chicken and pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish (9×13 works well, but any oven-safe dish of similar size will do).
- Add shredded Parmesan: Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture. This will create a golden, crispy top when baked.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).
5. Prepare the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven (if not already preheated from the casserole) to 400°F (200°C).
- Make cheesy garlic bread: Take your loaf of garlic bread (store-bought or homemade) and spread it out on a baking sheet.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded 5-cheese blend evenly over the top of the bread. Place the garlic bread in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Tip: For extra flavor, you can sprinkle some garlic powder or Italian seasoning on top of the cheese before baking.
6. Serve:
- Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow everything to settle and cool slightly.
- Slice the garlic bread and serve it alongside generous portions of the cheesy chicken pasta bake.
- Optional garnish: Top the pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil, or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a little kick of heat.
Additional Notes:
- Cheese substitutions: You can use any melty cheese you like in this recipe. Mozzarella, provolone, or a sharp cheddar would also work well.
- Add-ins: Want more veggies? Toss in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas to bulk up the dish.
- Storage: This pasta bake makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
With a golden, cheesy crust and tender chicken, this Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is guaranteed to be a family favorite. The 5-cheese garlic bread takes it over the top, making it a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions! Enjoy!