My husband and I could barely walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we ate so much of this! Haha. It's too yummy to resist!"

 

“My Husband and I Could Barely Walk Back Into the Kitchen After Dinner!” – The Irresistible Baked Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again

Have you ever made a meal so rich, so decadent, so completely soul-satisfying that you and your partner practically needed to roll yourselves away from the table? That’s exactly what happened the night I made this unbelievably creamy, cheesy, garlicky, baked chicken pasta.

“My husband and I could barely walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we ate so much of this! Haha. It’s too yummy to resist!” That’s not an exaggeration. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds... then thirds... until you’re scraping every last bit from the baking dish with your fork, wondering why you didn’t double the recipe.

This recipe has everything:
✅ Comforting pasta
✅ Juicy, tender chicken
✅ Rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce
✅ Crispy golden topping
✅ And the kind of warmth that hugs you from the inside out.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re feeding guests on the weekend, this is the recipe that will wow everyone.

---

🧾 Ingredients Breakdown

To make this spectacular dish, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and dairy-rich ingredients to create that perfect creaminess and flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

🍝 For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (about 3½ cups) penne or rigatoni pasta

• Salted water, for boiling

🧄 For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 2 cups whole milk (warm)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs

🧀 For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan

• ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

• Drizzle of olive oil

---

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

---

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized chunks or thin strips.

• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.

• Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F or 74°C). This usually takes 5–7 minutes.

• Remove from pan and set aside.

You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!

---

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic happens!

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

• Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour, stirring constantly to form a roux.

• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth.

• Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Add 1½ cups Parmesan, stirring until fully melted.

• Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.

• Let simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.

---

4. Combine It All

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine:

  • Cooked pasta

  • Sautéed chicken

  • Garlic Parmesan sauce

• Mix gently to coat everything evenly.

---

5. Assemble the Bake

• Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs if using.

• Drizzle with a little olive oil on top for extra golden crispiness.

---

6. Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top — but keep an eye on it!

---

7. Rest, Garnish & Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

• Serve warm, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy, garlicky bite!

---

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: Layers of garlic, herbs, cheese, and crispy golden topping.

• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes = more joy.

• Comfort Food Level: Expert: Warm, cozy, and indulgent.

• Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, add mushrooms or spinach, or make it spicy.

---

🍴 What to Serve With It

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you want to complete the experience:

• Garlic bread or homemade rolls

• Simple side salad (arugula, lemon, olive oil, shaved Parmesan)

• Steamed veggies (broccoli or green beans)

---

🧂 Add Your Own Twist

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize the recipe:

🔄 Protein Swaps:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken

• Grilled shrimp

• Crispy bacon or pancetta

• Sausage crumbles

🌿 Veggie Add-Ins:

• Sautéed spinach or kale

• Mushrooms

• Roasted red peppers

• Caramelized onions

🧀 Cheese Variations:

• Gruyère

• Fontina

• White cheddar

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat: Add a splash of milk and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (except the final topping) and refrigerate. Before baking, top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake 5–10 extra minutes if chilled.

Can I make it without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with an extra ½ cup of whole milk + 1 tbsp butter for a lighter sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default — but use gluten-free pasta and GF flour for the sauce to make it so.

---

🧠 Nutrition Info (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	530
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	28g
Fat	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

---

🖨️ Printable Version

---

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, seasoned

• 12 oz pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 5 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups milk + ½ cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups Parmesan

• Mozzarella for topping

• Herbs & spices

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and chicken separately.

2. Make creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.

3. Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce.

4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese.

5. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

6. Let rest, garnish, and serve.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

This creamy, cheesy baked pasta is the kind of dish you make once and can’t stop thinking about. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays, dinner guests, or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying.

It’s no wonder we nearly needed help off the couch afterward — it’s just that good. So go ahead. Make it tonight. And don’t say I didn’t warn you.

“My Husband and I Could Barely Walk Back Into the Kitchen After Dinner!” – The Irresistible Baked Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta You’ll Crave Again and Again

Have you ever made a meal so rich, so decadent, so completely soul-satisfying that you and your partner practically needed to roll yourselves away from the table? That’s exactly what happened the night I made this unbelievably creamy, cheesy, garlicky, baked chicken pasta.

“My husband and I could barely walk back into the kitchen after dinner because we ate so much of this! Haha. It’s too yummy to resist!” That’s not an exaggeration. It’s the kind of dish that makes you go back for seconds... then thirds... until you’re scraping every last bit from the baking dish with your fork, wondering why you didn’t double the recipe.

This recipe has everything:
✅ Comforting pasta
✅ Juicy, tender chicken
✅ Rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce
✅ Crispy golden topping
✅ And the kind of warmth that hugs you from the inside out.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re feeding guests on the weekend, this is the recipe that will wow everyone.

---

🧾 Ingredients Breakdown

To make this spectacular dish, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and dairy-rich ingredients to create that perfect creaminess and flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need:

🐔 For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

🍝 For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (about 3½ cups) penne or rigatoni pasta

• Salted water, for boiling

🧄 For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)

• 2 cups whole milk (warm)

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs

🧀 For Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup shredded Parmesan

• ½ cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

• Drizzle of olive oil

---

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions (usually 9–11 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

---

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

• Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized chunks or thin strips.

• Season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.

• Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F or 74°C). This usually takes 5–7 minutes.

• Remove from pan and set aside.

You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut!

---

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This is where the magic happens!

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

• Sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour, stirring constantly to form a roux.

• Slowly whisk in 2 cups of warm milk, a little at a time, until smooth.

• Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

• Add 1½ cups Parmesan, stirring until fully melted.

• Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.

• Let simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it.

---

4. Combine It All

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a large mixing bowl or directly in a baking dish, combine:

  • Cooked pasta

  • Sautéed chicken

  • Garlic Parmesan sauce

• Mix gently to coat everything evenly.

---

5. Assemble the Bake

• Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs if using.

• Drizzle with a little olive oil on top for extra golden crispiness.

---

6. Bake to Perfection

• Bake uncovered at 375°F for 18–20 minutes, until bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.

• Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top — but keep an eye on it!

---

7. Rest, Garnish & Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.

• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

• Serve warm, and enjoy every cheesy, creamy, garlicky bite!

---

🧡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: Layers of garlic, herbs, cheese, and crispy golden topping.

• One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes = more joy.

• Comfort Food Level: Expert: Warm, cozy, and indulgent.

• Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp, add mushrooms or spinach, or make it spicy.

---

🍴 What to Serve With It

This pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you want to complete the experience:

• Garlic bread or homemade rolls

• Simple side salad (arugula, lemon, olive oil, shaved Parmesan)

• Steamed veggies (broccoli or green beans)

---

🧂 Add Your Own Twist

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ways to customize the recipe:

🔄 Protein Swaps:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken

• Grilled shrimp

• Crispy bacon or pancetta

• Sausage crumbles

🌿 Veggie Add-Ins:

• Sautéed spinach or kale

• Mushrooms

• Roasted red peppers

• Caramelized onions

🧀 Cheese Variations:

• Gruyère

• Fontina

• White cheddar

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.

• To Reheat: Add a splash of milk and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (except the final topping) and refrigerate. Before baking, top with cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake 5–10 extra minutes if chilled.

Can I make it without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with an extra ½ cup of whole milk + 1 tbsp butter for a lighter sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default — but use gluten-free pasta and GF flour for the sauce to make it so.

---

🧠 Nutrition Info (per serving, approx. 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	530
Carbohydrates	42g
Protein	28g
Fat	30g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

---

🖨️ Printable Version

---

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, seasoned

• 12 oz pasta

• 2 tbsp butter

• 5 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp flour

• 2 cups milk + ½ cup heavy cream

• 1½ cups Parmesan

• Mozzarella for topping

• Herbs & spices

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta and chicken separately.

2. Make creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.

3. Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce.

4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese.

5. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

6. Let rest, garnish, and serve.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

This creamy, cheesy baked pasta is the kind of dish you make once and can’t stop thinking about. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays, dinner guests, or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly satisfying.

It’s no wonder we nearly needed help off the couch afterward — it’s just that good. So go ahead. Make it tonight. And don’t say I didn’t warn you.