Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini); 1 pound chicken breast, diced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen

I absolutely adore this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake because it gives me the comfort of home-cooked meals with an indulgent twist. Every bite is enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly balances the flavors of garlic and chicken. It’s easy to prepare, making weeknights feel special, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! This dish pulls together every comforting element we love, creating a delightful experience that we often crave. I promise you’ll want to add this to your regular dinner rotation!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-27T19:09:34.851Z

When I first made this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake, I was thrilled with how simple it was to prepare, yet the results felt gourmet. The secret lies in using fresh garlic, which not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also creates an aromatic sauce that wraps the pasta in warmth. I tried baking it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top, and the slight crispness paired beautifully with the creaminess below!

Another tip I discovered was letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This not only helps the flavors meld together but also makes portioning easier. Watching friends and family savor their plates fills me with joy; it’s truly a dish meant for sharing and enjoying together!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy sauce that envelops tender pasta and chicken
Rich garlic flavor that elevates every bite
Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions

Crafting the Perfect Sauce

The creamy sauce in this pasta bake is the star of the dish, and getting it just right is crucial for flavor. When you add the heavy cream and chicken broth, make sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Allowing it to simmer for five minutes will help the flavors meld beautifully, but keep an eye on the heat to avoid simmering too aggressively, which can lead to separation of the cream.

Incorporating the cheeses at the right time is essential for achieving that rich, velvety texture. Add half the mozzarella and parmesan once the cream mixture is simmering; this timing allows the cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce. If you find the sauce too thick, a splash of additional chicken broth can help adjust the consistency. This technique not only enhances the sauce's creaminess but also ensures it clings to the pasta and chicken perfectly.

Pasta Choices and Cooking Tips

Selecting the right pasta shape can elevate your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake. I recommend using penne or rotini because their ridges and hollow shapes hold onto the sauce better than flat pasta. Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This practice prevents mushy pasta that would detract from the overall texture of your dish.

While cooking the pasta, adding a generous amount of salt to the water enhances the pasta’s flavor. This step is often overlooked but makes a significant difference in the overall taste. Additionally, saving a cup of pasta water before draining is a handy tip. If your sauce turns out too thick after baking, you can gradually stir in some reserved water to loosen it up while retaining flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delectable dish:

Main Ingredients

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 pound chicken breast, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before starting to streamline the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to whip up your Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake:

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Make the Sauce

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted.

Combine and Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken and sauce mixture, and pour into a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously comforting meal!

Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to enhance the flavors.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce. Also, using rotisserie chicken can save you some time in the preparation process!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers from this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the pasta from drying out, if you anticipate eating leftovers, consider keeping the cheese topping separate and adding it before reheating. This extra step can keep your bake looking and tasting fresh.

When reheating, either in the oven or microwave, I recommend adding a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil to the dish. This helps to restore moisture that may have evaporated during storage. In the oven, cover the dish with foil and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, ensuring it is warmed through without overcooking the chicken.

Creative Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or even coconut milk for the heavy cream. Although the flavor will change slightly, it will still deliver a creamy sauce that binds the dish together. Additionally, other cheeses like gouda or cheddar can add a unique twist.

If you want to add extra nutrition, consider tossing in vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli after the chicken is cooked. Sauté them briefly before adding the cream to allow the flavors to blend seamlessly. These additions not only enhance the dish’s nutritional profile but also add brilliant color and texture, making your pasta bake even more satisfying.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work well in this dish! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

→ Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and sauce a day prior, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.

→ Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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