Time on Post:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Introduction
Indulge in a delicious and flavorful feast with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake. A comforting bake that combines tender chicken, luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, and al dente pasta, topped with a layer of melted mozzarella that will have you coming back for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
Tired of the same old pasta recipe? This chicken pasta bake infuses the familiar pasta dish with new depth and dimension. From the creamy garlic sauce that embraces every penne or rigatoni to the hearty chicken pieces and the gooey mozzarella layer, this dish is a robust symphony of flavors and textures. Try this easy, one-dish meal that’s guaranteed to gratify all your comfort food cravings!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
– 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish.
2. Cook pasta as per package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Blend in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and simmer until sauce thickens.
6. Mix in cooked pasta and chicken and ensure they are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Transfer this mixture to the baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish is best served hot straight from the oven. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad to balance the rich and creamy flavours. Don’t forget to garnish the pasta bake with some fresh parsley for a dash of color and hint of freshness!
How to Store Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for a longer duration. When reheating, ensure it’s heated all through and the cheese is back to its bubbly goodness.
Tips to Make Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
– Use high-quality, block cheese and grate it yourself for better melt and flavour.
– Cooking the chicken in olive oil imparts a richer flavor, but you can substitute with butter or other cooking oils.
– While any pasta can work, rigatoni and penne are ideal as they hold up well in the bake.
Variations:
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with mushrooms or any vegetable of your choice. You can also add bacon bits to further enhance the flavour profile.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the recipe?
Yes, you could substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and butter.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works great in this recipe.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare everything, put it in the baking dish and refrigerate. Just bake it right before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
Delight your taste buds with this irresistibly wholesome and creamy dish. It is a hearty meal that easily doubles up as comfort food for those cozy nights in!