Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

12 oz rotini or penne pasta

3 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions: 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Add Milk & Cream: Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes.

Add Cheeses: Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, cooking until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine: Add shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Bake: Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

Bake & Serve: Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!