Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe. It is a delicious and cozy pasta bake loaded with tender chicken chunks swimming in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and incredible flavors, making it a go-to weeknight meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing the perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and fresh notes to the dish. You’ll love how these essentials come together to create a comforting, flavorful meal.

• 16 ounces Penne pasta: The sturdy shape holds onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
• 2 tablespoons Butter, divided: Adds richness and helps build the luscious sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Flour: The secret thickener that gives the sauce its creamy texture.
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible aromatic punch to the dish.
• ¾ cups Half-and-half, or milk: Keeps the sauce silky and smooth while balancing richness.
• 2 cups Chicken, shredded: Tender and hearty protein that makes this meal satisfying.
• 1 cup Frozen peas: Adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the casserole.
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese: The star that delivers that signature cheesy, savory flavor.
• 2 slices Bread, white or wheat, torn into pieces: Transforms into a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping for delightful texture contrast.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 425℉. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. This pasta base will soak up every bit of that luscious sauce later on.

Step 2: Create the garlic parmesan sauce

In a large saucepan, melt one tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and keep stirring for one full minute to cook out the raw taste and form a smooth roux that will thicken your sauce.

Step 3: Add the creamy base and chicken

Gradually whisk in the half-and-half or milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. Then fold in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the mixture to heat through. This creamy, cheesy sauce is truly the heart of this Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe.

Step 4: Combine pasta and prepare breadcrumb topping

Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until every piece is deliciously coated. For the topping, pulse the torn bread slices in a food processor until you have coarse bread crumbs. Toss the crumbs with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter to ensure they crisp up beautifully under the broiler.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Pour the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into a casserole dish, then evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs on top. Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crunchy, completing this irresistible weeknight dinner.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil brings a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish perfectly. You can also sprinkle a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top for an elevated cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This garlic Parmesan pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp mixed green salads or roasted vegetables. A tangy Caesar salad or some garlic bread keep the meal balanced and satisfying without competing flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta in individual ramekins or cute mini casseroles. You can even use colorful bowls to highlight the vibrant green peas and golden breadcrumb topping. These little touches make the meal feel extra special, perfect for both family dinners and casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this pasta bake freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350℉ until warmed through to bring back that fresh-baked quality. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly without drying out the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for its shape, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle can be great substitutes. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds up well in the bake.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the butter for olive oil, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. It will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

Can I add other vegetables instead of peas?

Definitely! Broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or even chopped spinach work wonderfully here. Feel free to customize with whatever veggies you or your family prefer for more variety and nutrition.

How do I make this recipe creamier?

For an ultra-creamy sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone when stirring in the milk. This makes the sauce richer and irresistibly silky without overpowering the garlic Parmesan flavors.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in one large casserole dish or split into two smaller dishes. Just keep an eye on baking time as it might take a few minutes longer for larger portions to brown perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights when I want something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor without any fuss. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping create a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to dinner!

Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

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Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken is a comforting and flavorful pasta bake featuring tender shredded chicken, a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and a crispy buttered breadcrumb topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy casserole makes a perfect weeknight main dish that the whole family will love.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Pasta

• 16 ounces Penne pasta

Sauce and Topping

• 2 tablespoons Butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• ¾ cups Half-and-half (or milk)
• 2 cups Chicken, shredded
• 1 cup Frozen peas
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 slices Bread (white or wheat, torn into pieces)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Cook pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Make garlic roux: In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add flour: Stir in the flour and continuously cook for one minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
5. Add half-and-half: Gradually pour in the half-and-half (or milk), stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly and begins to bubble.
6. Combine chicken, peas, and cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and shredded parmesan cheese. Cook until everything is thoroughly heated.
7. Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Prepare breadcrumb topping: Place the torn bread pieces into a food processor and pulse until coarse breadcrumbs form. Transfer to a bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
9. Assemble casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into a casserole dish and evenly spread the buttered breadcrumbs over the top.
10. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is browned and crispy.

Notes

• Experiment with different pasta types such as gluten-free, whole grain, or even riced cauliflower to fit dietary preferences.
• This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd; divide the mixture between two baking dishes for even cooking.
• Substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like broccoli, leeks, or mushrooms based on your family’s taste.
• For extra sauce, add store-bought garlic parmesan sauce like Buffalo Wild Wings’ and thin it with chicken broth if needed.
• Add cream cheese to the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
• Enhance flavor with spices such as garlic powder, chicken seasoning, or onion powder.