Get ready to experience the ultimate food adventure with this Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake! This epic dish is about to transform your ordinary dinner into a flavor-packed, irresistible feast that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. Warning: This insanely delicious recipe may cause some serious food jealousy among your friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake
Prepare to be blown away by the incredible combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, garlic-infused sauce that’ll have you craving more with every bite. This Legendary dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or impressive dinner parties. With its bold flavors and amazing texture, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone begging for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients
Get ready to stock up on some epic ingredients that will turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! You’ll need juicy chicken, al dente pasta, a rich and creamy sauce made with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Prepare to smash this recipe out of the park!
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz – Penne pasta
- 2 cups – Heavy cream
- 4 cloves – Minced garlic
- 1/2 cup – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup – Chopped fresh parsley, basil, and thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for a delicious variation.
- Pasta: Use whole-wheat pasta or a lighter cream sauce to make this dish a bit healthier.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake
Let’s dive into the steps to create this Legendary dish! We’ll start by prepping everything, then move on to the main cooking process, and finish with the final assembly.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Sear the chicken in a hot pan until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to create the epic, flavor-packed sauce! In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly chopped parsley, basil, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the pasta and chicken are ready, it’s time to bring this dish together! Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the creamy sauce and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and top it with a layer of shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Pop that bad boy in the oven and let it bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Trust me, the aroma that’s about to fill your kitchen is going to be absolutely INSANE!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Mix-Ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Herb Blend: Switch up the herbs, using a blend of Italian seasonings or even a dash of cajun spice for a little kick.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions to really make those flavors pop!
- Pasta Swap: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta, just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crusty garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheat: When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or in the microwave in short bursts.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Nutrition Information
Prepare to feast on a truly mouthwatering and nutritious meal! This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake is packed with protein from the chicken and a good dose of complex carbs from the pasta. Plus, the herbs and garlic provide a delicious and healthy boost of flavor. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as this dish is so irresistibly delicious, you might find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 530 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and use your favorite type of pasta in this recipe. Penne, fusilli, or even macaroni would all work great. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is al dente.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies instead. You can also swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream or coconut milk, to keep it dairy-free.
How spicy is this dish?
This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake is not overly spicy, as it’s seasoned with a blend of fragrant herbs and garlic. However, if you’re looking to add a little extra heat, try mixing in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! This Legendary dish freezes beautifully. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Try These Next
- Creamy Chicken And Bacon Pasta Bake For Cozy Nights
- Spicy Garlic Herb Chicken Bake
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake
Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, topped with cheese and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.
3. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
4.
5. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant.
6.
7. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
8.
9. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
10.
11. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture and transfer to a baking dish.
12.
13. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
14.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes.
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or vegetables for a different variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, bake, creamy, dinner