- Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese with the panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal per serving
Servings: 6 servings
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