Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is rich, comforting, and full of Mediterranean flavors. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked until bubbly and golden. With a balance of herbs, spices, and a touch of lemon for brightness, it’s the perfect family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup pasta water)
Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenderloins, diced or shredded
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy/Sauce Base:
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
½ cup milk
2 tbsp cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth (or ½ cup water with ½ tsp bouillon)
¼ cup dry white wine (optional, for depth)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp thyme
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp lemon juice
Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Cheese:
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
Cook chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and white wine (if using).
Add heavy cream, milk, cream cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, oregano, thyme, onion powder, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if desired).
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
Combine:
Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Mix until well-coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
Pasta choice: Penne and rotini hold sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, farfalle, or shells. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too.
Protein swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version.
Extra flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Cheese variations: Try a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, or add a little feta on top for tanginess.
Crispy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and Parmesan over the pasta before baking for a crunchy crust.
Make-ahead: Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
Q&A
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and makes this recipe even quicker.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from drying out when baking?
Make sure you have enough sauce to coat the pasta well, and don’t overbake. Cover loosely with foil if needed to retain moisture.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes. Bake it, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Q: What can I serve with this?
A light salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread balance the richness of the dish.
Q: Can I make it without wine?
Yes. Replace it with extra chicken broth and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: ~510
Protein: 34g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: ~720mg
(Approximate values; will vary with ingredients and serving sizes.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, with tender chicken and pasta coated in a garlicky Parmesan sauce. Customizable with vegetables or different proteins, it’s a versatile meal that can be prepped ahead or enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, this pasta bake is bound to become a favorite.