Gather round, my friends, for a dish that’s about to make your taste buds dance with delight! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy, comforting creation that’s sure to bring people together around the table. With its irresistible blend of tender chicken, silky smooth sauce, and perfectly al dente pasta, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser that’s both impressive and easy to make. So, let’s dive in and uncover the story behind this flavor-packed masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. From the moment you take the first bite, you’ll be captivated by the rich, velvety sauce that coats each tender piece of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. The garlic butter adds a depth of flavor that takes this dish to new heights, while the melted cheese on top creates a delightfully crispy, golden crust. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a special occasion, this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to leave everyone feeling warm, satisfied, and eager for more.
Ingredients
To create this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake, you’ll need a few simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients. Start with juicy chicken breasts, a blend of cheeses, and your choice of pasta. The real star of the show, however, is the creamy garlic butter sauce that ties everything together. This rich, velvety sauce is made with a combination of heavy cream, garlic, and butter, creating a truly indulgent and craveable flavor profile.
- 1 lb (454g) – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb (454g) – Penne pasta
- 1 cup (240ml) – Heavy cream
- 4 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp (60g) – Unsalted butter
- 1 cup (100g) – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) – Grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (richer texture)
- Heavy Cream: Combination of milk and cream cheese (reduced richness)
How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Next, mince the garlic and grate the cheeses, preparing all the components for the creamy sauce.
Step 1: Prep Work
Once the water is boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, sear the seasoned chicken breasts until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for a few minutes. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the creamy sauce, tossing everything together until well combined. Finally, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top it with the shredded cheeses, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
For an even more indulgent twist, try adding a touch of Parmesan cheese to the creamy sauce or sprinkling some crispy bacon on top. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheddar and Parmesan. If you’re looking to cut back on the richness, you can substitute the heavy cream with a combination of milk and cream cheese. No matter how you choose to customize this dish, the key is to let the flavors of the garlic butter sauce shine through.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Bacon Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top of the cheese for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Parmesan Cheese Addition: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based milk or dairy-free cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the traditional wheat-based variety.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crisp salad or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, as well as carbohydrates from the pasta. The creamy sauce and cheese do contribute to the overall calorie and fat content, so be mindful of portion sizes. As with any recipe, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific dietary needs or concerns.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 43 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based milk or dairy-free cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the traditional wheat-based variety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?
To save on costs, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. You can also experiment with less expensive types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, in place of some of the more premium varieties.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up any leftover cooked chicken you may have on hand. Simply skip the step of searing the chicken and add the cooked, sliced chicken directly to the creamy sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking to add a little heat to this Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake, try stirring in a teaspoon or two of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Try These Next
- Herb Infused Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
- Garlic Herb Butter Chicken Skewers
- Creamy Chicken And Wild Rice Casserole With Herbs
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
– 2 cups penne pasta
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes.
6. 6. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese.
7. 7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. 9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
– You can add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
– Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken, pasta, bake, creamy, garlic