Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Seasons of Comfort

I absolutely love this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake; it’s a comforting dish that's as indulgent as it is satisfying. When I first tried making this recipe, I was amazed by how easily it comes together without compromising on flavor. The creamy sauce, garlic, and tender chicken create a harmony that melds beautifully with the pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you're hosting friends. Trust me, once you serve this up, you’ll be asked for the recipe!

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-02-23T21:05:36.253Z

When I decided to create this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake, I wanted to make something that was easy to prepare but packed with flavor. One of my favorite tips is to sauté the garlic until it’s golden before adding it to the sauce, as this enhances its nutty flavor and aroma. This small step really elevates the dish!

Another noteworthy detail is that I use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing taste. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the creamy garlic sauce before layering it with the pasta. The combination of textures and flavors makes this bake a true crowd-pleaser, and I've received rave reviews every time I serve it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy garlic flavor that tantalizes the taste buds
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in

Key Techniques for Success

When preparing the creamy sauce, it's essential to sauté the garlic until golden, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes. This step not only infuses the oil with flavor but also enhances the aromatic profile of the entire dish. Be careful not to overlook this step, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste that might overwhelm the overall dish. Always keep the heat on medium; a good sign that your garlic is ready is when it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.

To achieve the perfect consistency in your sauce, allow it to simmer gently after adding the cream and chicken broth. This should take around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. If you find the sauce too thick, you can adjust by adding a splash of extra chicken broth or cream. Remember, the residual heat from the pasta will continue to thicken the sauce even after it’s taken off the stove.

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

The choice of pasta can significantly affect the baking result. While penne is a classic choice due to its hollow shape that holds sauce well, feel free to experiment with rigatoni or even gluten-free pasta variations. If you opt for gluten-free pasta, be sure to monitor the cooking time closely as it can cook faster than regular pasta. Catching it at 'al dente' is key to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

If you're aiming for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt to maintain the creaminess while adding a nice tang. Additionally, using rotisserie chicken not only cuts preparation time but also infuses deeper flavors into the dish. For a vegetarian alternative, consider swapping chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, ensuring to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake

300g penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, bringing it to a simmer.

Combine Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bake the Dish

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan and the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy the creamy and delicious flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can give the dish a delightful burst of heat. Also, feel free to customize the vegetables
spinach or sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the great advantages of this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is that it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic and place it directly in the oven; you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. To keep the dish from drying out, you can add a splash of chicken broth before reheating.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread, making it a well-rounded meal. To add a touch of freshness, sprinkle some lemon juice or zest over the top just before serving. This will brighten up the creamy flavors and contrast nicely with the richness of the dish.

For those looking to add more vegetables, you can include spinach or broccoli during the combining step. Just steam them lightly before mixing them into the pasta; they will add color, nutrition, and a pleasant crunch that complements the creamy texture nicely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or tofu, use plant-based cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Yes! Prepare the dish, let it cool, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake until heated through.