Description
A creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole loaded with tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and a flavorful garlic-infused cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish combines penne pasta with a rich parmesan sauce, making it an ideal dinner for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups half and half
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to get ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, whisking frequently, for 1-2 minutes until it starts to smell nutty.
- Prepare Sauce: Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking vigorously. Continue to cook and whisk frequently until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Season Sauce: Reduce the heat and stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Incorporate Cheese: Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl or the empty pasta pot, stir the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and cheese sauce together until evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella evenly on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan pasta casserole!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Use freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Half and half can be substituted with whole milk or heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Cooking pasta al dente helps maintain texture after baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
