Rich, hearty, and indulgent, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers. Imagine juicy chunks of chicken smothered in a creamy garlic-infused parmesan sauce, nestled in between layers of tender pasta and crowned with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s everything you love about a cozy dinner wrapped into one irresistible dish.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this pasta bake is a crowd-pleaser that leaves no leftovers behind. The savory garlic and parmesan combo gives it a luxurious feel, while still being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving a decadent weeknight meal or planning a make-ahead dish for guests, this recipe delivers every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the perfect Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, the right tools make all the difference:

Large pot: Crucial for boiling your pasta evenly without sticking.
Colander: For draining the pasta without losing any noodles.
Deep skillet or sauté pan: This is where the garlic, cream, and parmesan flavors come alive and meld together with the chicken.

Mixing bowl: Used for combining your cooked pasta with the sauce and ensuring every bite is coated.
Baking dish (9×13 inch): The final stage where everything bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
Whisk: Helps emulsify the creamy sauce to avoid separation.

Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring gently without damaging your pasta.

Each of these tools plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, so having them on hand will set you up for pasta bake success.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken breast: The star protein, tender and juicy, it carries the flavors of the garlic and parmesan beautifully.

Rigatoni or penne pasta: These tube-shaped noodles hold the creamy sauce well, making every bite rich and flavorful.
Heavy cream: Adds the luscious, creamy base to the sauce, bringing that luxurious texture.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and savory—this cheese gives the dish its signature flavor.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible gooey, golden-baked finish.
Fresh garlic: The bold, aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with rich flavor.
Butter: Helps sauté the garlic and enrich the creaminess of the sauce.

Olive oil: Keeps the chicken tender while adding a light, savory note.
Italian seasoning: A simple blend that deepens the flavor and adds herby notes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural taste of each ingredient.

Fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh finish to the final dish.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, then stir in the cooked pasta until well coated. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. The cheese will be melted and golden, and the sauce perfectly thickened around the noodles. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread to round out the meal.

For storing leftovers, let the pasta bake cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk before microwaving or baking to restore creaminess.

You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken can cut down on prep time and still deliver great flavor.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but still delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it covered for 10 minutes, then uncovered for another 15 until bubbly.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Make sure to simmer the cream gently and whisk constantly while adding parmesan to ensure a smooth consistency.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and thickening the sauce with a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake made your dinner table extra cozy, check out these other creamy, cheesy favorites from my collection:

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a skillet-style comfort meal.

Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta when you want bold flavor with a kick.
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne if you’re craving something a bit greener.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for the ultimate veggie-loaded option.

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for extra indulgence.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

And if you gave this dish your own spin, I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Did you add spinach? Use a different pasta? Let me know how you made it yours. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook more deliciously!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm, indulgent dinner that brings together tender chicken, rich parmesan-garlic cream sauce, and perfectly baked pasta with a gooey golden topping. It’s a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the parmesan until melted and smooth.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and stir in the pasta until everything is evenly coated.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.