Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food with a little garlicky punch, you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something warming and satisfying, but not too complicated. The creamy parmesan sauce combined with tender penne and melty mozzarella creates this perfectly cozy casserole that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.

This casserole also works amazingly well for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights. I’ve made it for casual family dinners and brought it to potlucks—the rich flavors and gooey texture always get rave reviews. Plus, it’s versatile enough for you to tweak with your favorite add-ins, making this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe truly worth having in your recipe repertoire.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe has a role in achieving the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. I always recommend using good quality cheeses and fresh garlic for that homemade taste that just can’t be beat.

• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its tube shape, ensuring each bite is coated and satisfying.
• Butter: The base for the roux; it adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as a thickening agent so your sauce has that perfect velvety consistency.
• Half and half: Gives you creamy texture without the heaviness of full cream, balancing richness and lightness.
• Minced garlic: Brings fresh and vibrant garlic flavor that permeates the entire dish.
• Garlic powder: Enhances and rounds out the garlic flavor in a subtle way.
• Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs that complement the cheese and pasta perfectly.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets for that irresistible cheesy pull.
• Cooked chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, making this casserole a complete meal.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together and enhance the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but I love sprinkling it on top for a fresh, bright finish and pretty color contrast.

Make It Your Way

I love customizing this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the season. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or swap ingredients to fit your tastes and lifestyle—it’s all about making it your own cozy creation.

• Vegetarian Variation: Skip the chicken and amp up the veggies with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers—I’ve done it plenty of times and still get rave reviews.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Gluten-Free: Swap penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for the roux; just watch the sauce thickness as GF flour can behave differently.
• Seasonal Fresh Herbs: Swap out Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary or thyme during fall—it adds a lovely seasonal note that feels special.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil—salting it well is key for flavorful pasta. Cook your penne according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set it aside. One trick I’ve learned is to rinse the pasta briefly under warm water to stop cooking, which prevents it from getting mushy once it hits the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until you get a slightly nutty aroma—this helps cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the half and half while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking gently until the sauce bubbles and thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency, then reduce the heat.

Step 3: Season and Add Cheese

Stir in your fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, plus a good pinch of salt and black pepper. I always recommend tasting now—it’s easier to adjust seasoning before the cheese goes in! Next, whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and silky. This step gives your sauce a rich, nutty depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large bowl or the empty pasta pot, toss together your cooked penne, chopped cooked chicken, and that glorious parmesan sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Then, transfer half the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half your mozzarella cheese on top, layer the remaining pasta mixture over it, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. When it’s done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This waiting period lets the casserole firm up slightly, making it much easier to serve and enjoy all those layered flavors.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top of the casserole just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the cheese. If you want a bit more zest, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavor wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This pasta casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. I often serve it alongside garlic bread too, because honestly, when does garlic bread ever not make a meal better? For lighter options, steamed green beans or a simple tomato cucumber salad complement it nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make individual casserole portions in ramekins—perfect for elegant plating and easy servings. Another fun idea is to sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top for a crunchy twist. If you’re going all out, layering with sautéed spinach between the cheese layers adds color and nutrition that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where the casserole keeps well for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess. When I reheat, it tastes almost as good as fresh if handled properly.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole a couple of times—just assemble it without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake it from frozen, adding a bit of extra time, and check that it’s heated through and bubbling before serving. It’s a great way to prep meals in advance!

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps bring back that golden, bubbling cheese top. Avoid microwaving if you can; it tends to make the pasta a bit soggy in my experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods that’s both simple and crowd-pleasing. It strikes that perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and garlicky that keeps me coming back for more—and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much. Give it a try on your next cozy night in; I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, too.

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