Looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make? Our garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It combines parmesan, chicken, and garlic for a satisfying meal.
Imagine a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that’s a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll enjoy this meal quickly. Our recipe helps you make a delicious baked pasta dish that impresses everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Easy-to-follow steps for a delicious meal
- A combination of garlic, parmesan, and chicken for a rich flavor
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Simple ingredients for a stress-free cooking experience
- A satisfying, comforting dish for the whole family
What You’ll Need for Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
To make a delicious chicken pasta bake, you need a few things. You’ll also need some kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes cooking easier and more fun.
Essential Ingredients for Flavor and Texture
The garlic parmesan sauce is key. You’ll need parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream. Don’t forget chicken breast, pasta, and olive oil for cooking.
Required Kitchen Tools and Equipment
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta. A skillet is good for cooking the chicken. And, a 9×13 inch baking dish is perfect for baking.
A grater for parmesan cheese and a garlic press are also handy.
Preparing the Chicken and Pasta Components
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s start preparing the chicken and pasta. This step is key for the perfect flavors and textures.
Seasoning and Cooking the Chicken to Perfection
First, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for flavor in every bite. Then, heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Don’t overcook it, so it stays juicy and tender. After cooking, let the chicken rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Boiling the Pasta to Ideal Al Dente Texture
Boiling the pasta right is crucial for a great dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Al dente means the pasta should still have a bit of bite, not too soft or mushy.
Check the pasta often towards the end of cooking. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside. It’s ready to be mixed with the chicken and sauce.
Creating the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To make your baked pasta dishes better, a creamy garlic parmesan sauce is key. This sauce ties everything together. It coats the pasta and chicken in a rich, velvety layer of flavor.
Making the Roux and Base Sauce
A great garlic parmesan sauce starts with a roux. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for about 1 minute, until it’s light golden.
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly, whisking constantly. Bring it to a simmer and let it thicken, stirring now and then.
Incorporating Fresh Garlic and Parmesan Flavors
Now, add the flavors that make your sauce special. Minced garlic is the next step; start with 3 cloves and adjust to taste. Saute the garlic for 1 minute until it smells great.
Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth. The Parmesan adds a salty taste and makes the sauce creamier.
Adjusting Consistency and Seasoning
Adjust the sauce’s thickness as needed. If it’s too thick, add a bit more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This makes sure your sauce is creamy, flavorful, and balanced.
Baking and Serving Your Mouthwatering Dish
Now it’s time to put your chicken pasta bake together. Mix the cooked pasta, chicken, and creamy garlic parmesan sauce in a dish. Make sure everything is well coated.
Add more parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Then, bake in a hot oven until it’s golden and bubbly. This makes a delicious easy pasta bake recipe.
After baking, let it cool for a bit. Serve it hot, with fresh parsley or basil on top. It’s great for any night or a special event. Enjoy your homemade chicken pasta bake, a true comfort food classic.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp salted butter divided (adjust to taste)
- 24 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium)
- 1½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ Tbsp minced garlic about 6 cloves
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 4 bulbs roasted garlic cloves squeezed out
- ¾ cup chicken stock or broth
- 4 oz parmesan cheese finely grated (~1¼ cups)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley optional
- 8 oz fresh spinach optional
Instructions
- Prep Work
- Roast the garlic (if not done already). Let cool, then squeeze cloves into a bowl.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Mince fresh garlic, grate parmesan, and prepare remaining ingredients.
- Sauté the Chicken
- Set Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot to High Sear/Sauté. Melt 2-4 Tbsp butter, then add chicken and seasonings (except parsley). Sear until browned on one side.
- Flip chicken, add minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often. Reduce heat if garlic browns too quickly.
- Add pasta, roasted garlic, and chicken broth, scraping the pot to loosen any stuck bits. Stir in remaining butter.
- Pressure Cook
- Secure the lid, set valve to Seal, and pressure cook on High for 4 minutes.
- Allow 10-minute natural release, then manually release remaining pressure.
- Finishing Touches
- Stir in grated parmesan until melted.
- Gradually add heavy cream until desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Mix in dried parsley (if using).
- For spinach, stir in fresh leaves, cover, and let wilt for a few minutes.
- Serve & enjoy!
