My family begs me to make this recipe every week after they tasted it
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a classic comfort food that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce, all melded into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. In this article, we will dive into the details of making this delicious dish, including its ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and some useful tips to make it even better.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta (or any short shape) | 12 ounces (about 340g) |
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups, shredded or cubed |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream (or half-and-half) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup, divided |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the garlic oil. Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
