Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g rotini pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Heartwarming Meals

I absolutely adore this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake! It’s one of those comfort dishes that I crave after a long day. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal that's both satisfying and indulgent. What I love most about this recipe is how easily it comes together — perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. The flavors are rich and comforting, making every bite a delightful experience. You won’t want to miss trying this one out!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:57:40.880Z

When I first attempted this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake, I was amazed by how simple yet delicious it turned out. I used a mix of cream cheese and sour cream to give the sauce a velvety texture, and adding sautéed garlic made it burst with flavor. Every layer of this dish is packed with creamy goodness, and the topping of melted cheese gives it that irresistible gooey finish.

One success tip I discovered was to use preferably broiler chicken breasts, as they stay moist and tender throughout the baking. I also recommend an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs on top just before serving; it elevates the dish visually and adds a fresh burst of flavor. Trust me, you'll want to include those little details to impress your guests!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy garlic flavor that envelopes the chicken and pasta
Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings
Topped with melted cheese for an ultimate indulgent experience

Perfect Pasta for Baking

Choosing the right type of pasta is crucial for this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake. Rotini is a great choice due to its spiral shape, which helps it hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. However, if rotini isn’t available, you can substitute with penne or farfalle, ensuring that whatever pasta you use is sturdy enough to withstand baking without becoming mushy. Cook the pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

When boiling the pasta, remember to use plenty of salt in the water. This is your only opportunity to season the pasta itself, and a well-salted water will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Avoid overcooking it, as it should still have a slight bite. Drain and immediately return it to the pot off the heat; this will help keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce

The base of the creamy sauce in this recipe relies on cream cheese and sour cream, which together create a rich, velvety texture. Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand — about 30 minutes at room temperature or a quick 20 seconds in the microwave should do the trick. This ensures it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients and avoids clumps in your sauce.

Adding minced garlic enhances the dish's flavor profile, so use fresh garlic for the best results. Sautéing the garlic briefly in olive oil before adding it to the sauce could elevate its sweetness and aroma, but if you're in a rush, simply mixing it in raw will still deliver delicious results. Adjust the garlic according to your personal preference; if you love a stronger garlic flavor, don't hesitate to increase the amount.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious pasta bake!

For the Pasta Bake

300g rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!

Steps

Follow these steps to make your creamy pasta bake!

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta and chicken evenly.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve the Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake hot!

Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta bake!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix. Adjust the level of garlic according to your preference for a milder flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store the Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This not only warms the dish through but also helps maintain the cheese's meltiness and the overall texture. Cover with foil for the first half of reheating to prevent over-browning.

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it a day prior and keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as it will be going into the oven cold. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked dish. When you want to cook it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe highlights the delicious creamy garlic flavor, feel free to experiment with additional ingredients. Trying sun-dried tomatoes or spinach could introduce a lovely burst of flavor and color. You could also swap out the chicken for cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for even more depth. Just remember that if you're using pre-seasoned meats, you may want to adjust your seasoning accordingly.

For a bit of a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce into the creamy mixture. This can transform your pasta bake into a comforting dish with a spicy twist. Alternatively, garnish individual servings with fresh herbs like basil or chives for a refreshing, aromatic finish that brightens the rich flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it just before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.