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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole
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This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, it offers a warm, flavorful experience with minimal cleanup and versatile ingredient options.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in a hot skillet with butter until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Pour in heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and garlic parmesan sauce until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it should be al dente before baking.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  • Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness and bring out natural sweetness.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for clean slicing and better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy pasta casserole, comforting dinner, one-dish meals, family-friendly, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-casserole/