Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole
Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole is a comforting and creamy one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta into a delicious baked casserole. This easy weeknight recipe is customizable, quick to prepare, and perfect for feeding the whole family while minimizing cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used; otherwise contains gluten)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
Garlic and Seasonings
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté the chicken and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half and stir constantly as it comes to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, forming a rich and creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, mixing well to coat every piece thoroughly with the garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- Bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese to ensure a rich, creamy sauce without additives.
- Slightly undercook the pasta to prevent a mushy texture after baking.
- Sauté garlic gently to mellow its flavor and avoid bitterness.
- Season progressively—taste and adjust salt and pepper through the cooking process for balanced flavor.
- Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, garlic chicken pasta, Parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken bake, easy weeknight dinner, one-pan pasta bake