Dump-and-Bake Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This delicious, one-pan recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. With a handful of ingredients and just a few simple steps, you’ll have a, cheesy pasta bake that requires no boiling, no pre-cooking, and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well for this recipe)
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk (or use unsweetened almond milk if you prefer)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (for rich garlic flavor)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a nutty, cheesy depth to the dish)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for a gooey, melty top layer)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Dump And Bake Parmesan Chicken Pasta

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare the other ingredients.
   • Lightly grease a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) with a bit of cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Baking Dish:
   • Place the uncooked pasta in the greased baking dish.
   • Add the chicken breast pieces, spreading them out evenly over the pasta.
   • Sprinkle the minced garlic across the chicken and pasta to ensure the garlic flavor is well-distributed.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the mixture.
   • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember to use salt sparingly if your broth is already salted.
   • Stir everything together in the baking dish until the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with liquid, which will help it cook evenly.

3. Bake the Dish:
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help trap steam, which is necessary to cook the pasta.
   • Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. During this time, the chicken should cook through, and the pasta should become tender and soak up the flavors.

4. Add Mozzarella for a Cheesy Finish (Optional):
   • After 30-35 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the dish.
   • If you enjoy a cheesy topping, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
   • Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, forming a golden, appetizing crust.

5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the baking dish from the oven.
   • Allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld and make it easier to serve.
   • For added freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. This will give a pop of color and enhance the flavor.

6. Serve Warm:
   • Serve the garlic parmesan chicken pasta warm, straight from the baking dish. Pair it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.