How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is everything you crave in a comforting dinner—tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce all baked to bubbly perfection. Lightened up with smart ingredient choices, this dish is creamy and satisfying without feeling heavy. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this bake will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Protein-Packed – Lean chicken breast makes this a hearty, filling meal.
Garlic Lovers’ Dream – Bold garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Cheesy and Creamy – Parmesan and mozzarella create a melty, savory sauce.
One-Dish Wonder – Easy to assemble and bake with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• 8 oz whole-wheat penne or rotini
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

For Topping:

• ¼ cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in Greek yogurt and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella on top.

Add the Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle over the pasta. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve Warm
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 28g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 4g

Tips for Success

• Use Whole-Wheat Pasta – It adds fiber and holds up well in baked dishes.
• Fresh Garlic Matters – Opt for fresh cloves for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake – Remove from the oven when bubbly to keep the chicken juicy.
• Customize Your Toppings – A sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes adds a nice touch.

Why This Recipe Works

By using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, this dish maintains its creamy, cheesy goodness while cutting back on fat. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, baking everything together melds the ingredients for a cohesive, comforting dish.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is your answer to a cozy, satisfying dinner that doesn’t overdo it on calories. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and golden cheesy topping, it’s hard to believe this dish is both hearty and wholesome. Serve it up on a weeknight or for a special gathering—it’s sure to please!