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Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

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.

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.