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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

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This creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake is a high-protein, all-in-one comfort food dinner featuring juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup (90g) parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup (110g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
  • 3/4 cup (180g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (2% or any preferred type)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (about 8-9 minutes) until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 3-4 minutes until golden (does not need to be fully cooked). Transfer chicken to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt butter, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper (if using). Pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking and scraping up any browned bits.
  6. Stir in Greek yogurt and whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add parmesan and half the mozzarella (1/2 cup), stirring until melted and sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add drained pasta and seared chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet. Stir to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer mixture to a 9×13” baking dish.
  9. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. For extra color, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and broth. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and vegan cheese. Add veggies like spinach or peas for extra nutrition. Sear chicken for best flavor and use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushiness. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta bake, creamy garlic parmesan, high protein dinner, easy pasta bake, comfort food, meal prep, family dinner, oven baked pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-bake-easy-high-protein-dinner-recipe/