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Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole

Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole
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This Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, rich Parmesan, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under an hour, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that satisfies with its luscious sauce and versatility, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Aromatics & Fats

  • 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Pasta & Seasonings

  • 10 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Garlic Infusion: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken from pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about one cup of pasta water for later use if needed.
  3. Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a smooth and creamy texture, infused with the garlic flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine, ensuring every piece is well coated in the Parmesan garlic sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Bake and Finish: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor rather than powders or pre-minced versions.
  • Do not overcook pasta as it will finish cooking in the oven; keep it al dente.
  • Freshly grate Parmesan cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that affect melting.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Let cooked chicken rest before shredding to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic chicken casserole, parmesan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/garlic-infused-parmesan-chicken-pasta-casserole/