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: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Creations

When I first made this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake, I was amazed by how simple yet flavorful it turned out. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich creamy sauce infused with garlic created a comforting dish that my family devoured. It's the type of meal that brings everyone to the table and quickly becomes a favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for any weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Created by

Ivy Richardson

Last updated on 2026-02-28T10:33:35.314Z

Creating this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake was a delightful journey into comfort food. The secret lies in the sauce—it’s a blend of cream, garlic, and parmesan that clings beautifully to the pasta, enhancing every bite. I made sure to sauté the garlic until fragrant before adding the cream, which elevates the sauce with a deep, rustic flavor that can’t be beaten.

I've learned that using rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also infuses the dish with a rich taste without the fuss of cooking chicken from scratch. If you like a crispy topping, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before baking works wonders for texture.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite perfectly
Loaded with tender chicken and pasta for a filling meal
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup for busy weeknights

Understanding the Sauce

The creamy sauce for this pasta bake is the heart of the dish, and it’s essential to get the texture just right. After adding the heavy cream to the sautéed garlic, let it simmer gently over medium heat; this helps to thicken the sauce while the flavors meld together. Be attentive to prevent it from boiling, which can cause the cream to curdle. Stirring continuously until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon is key to achieving that rich consistency you want.

Using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged will elevate the flavor significantly. Fresh cheese melts smoother, creating a luxurious texture that binds beautifully with the other ingredients. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with a mix of mozzarella and a touch of nutritional yeast for a nutty flavor that complements the creaminess well.

Perfecting the Bake

Baking this dish at the right temperature ensures that the pasta bake doesn’t dry out while achieving a beautiful golden crust on top. Preheat your oven fully to 350°F (175°C) to enable a consistent baking environment. If you prefer a slightly crispier topping, consider placing it under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes after it has baked through. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

If you decide to use breadcrumbs for that added texture, you can enhance their flavor by toasting them lightly in butter or olive oil first. This not only adds flavor but also helps the breadcrumbs maintain their crunch even after baking.

Customization Options

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is versatile, allowing for various ingredient substitutions and additions. For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, though the sauce may not be as thick. If you're looking for more vegetables, adding some blanched broccoli or spinach can introduce vivid color and nutrients without sacrificing the dish's comforting nature.

To amp up the flavor profile, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce just after sautéing the garlic, letting it reduce slightly before adding cream. This adds a delightful depth of flavor that complements the chicken and pasta beautifully.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

These ingredients come together to create a heartwarming dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

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

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt a little butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.

Transfer and Top

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the dish for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this pasta bake.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This pasta bake can be prepared ahead of time, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend doing so before the final baking step. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn, and it will keep for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy your baking masterpiece, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions as directed. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it goes straight from the fridge to the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is delicious on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish beautifully.

For a fun twist, you could serve individual portions in ramekins for gatherings to provide that 'restaurant-style' feel. This makes for an impressive presentation, encouraging guests to dig in while also allowing for even easier portion control.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your sauce is too thin, ensure you let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to the sauce while stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Another common issue is dryness in the pasta bake. To combat this, ensure that your ingredients are adequately coated in the sauce before baking, and don’t hesitate to add a little extra cream if it seems too dry. If the dish comes out too dry from the oven, consider serving with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of cream to regain moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta, such as fusilli or rotini.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish the night before, cover it, and bake it the next day.

→ What can I serve with this pasta bake?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes to accompany this rich pasta bake.