Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

If you’re like me and love a creamy, comforting dinner that feels like a big warm hug, then this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It’s the perfect mix of cheesy goodness, rich garlic flavor, and tender chicken all baked together with pasta—you get both ease and indulgence in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a famished crew after a long day or want a cozy meal for the weekend, this casserole hits all the right notes.

What makes this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe truly special is how it balances simplicity with deep, satisfying flavors. The creamy sauce thickened with butter and flour, paired with sharp Parmesan and melty mozzarella, creates the kind of casserole everyone fights over at the dinner table. Plus, you can prep it ahead or customize it easily, which means less stress and more time enjoying dinner with the people you love.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture, and getting good quality ones makes a noticeable difference. When I shop for this dish, I focus especially on fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese to boost richness naturally.

• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its ridged shape, ensuring every piece is coated and delicious.
• Butter: Forms the base of the creamy sauce and adds richness.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency without being gluey.
• Half and half: Keeps the sauce creamy and smooth without weighing it down like heavy cream might.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings bright, aromatic flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
• Garlic powder: Adds a deeper, roasted garlic note without extra moisture.
• Italian seasoning: Brings herbal warmth and complements the cheesy, garlicky flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and nutty—it’s essential for that signature flavor punch.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top and inside, adding gooey, stretchy texture.
• Cooked chicken: Adds protein and a hearty element—you can easily swap for mushrooms or veggies if you prefer.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple but key for seasoning and balancing all those flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens up the whole dish.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe is one I love to make my own depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. You should definitely feel free to tweak the ingredients—you’ll get a sense of what flavors fit your family’s preferences best.

• Vegetarian version: I swapped the chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach once—it was just as hearty and delicious!
• Extra cheesy: On busy weekends, I’ve thrown in a handful of shredded cheddar for a sharper cheese kick.
• Spicy kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne gave it a lovely warmth that woke up the dish beautifully.
• Gluten-free adjustment: Using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend works great—just keep an eye on sauce thickness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I always taste the pasta a minute or two before the time on the package—penne should be tender but still have that slight bite (al dente). Drain it and set aside, but don’t rinse it; you want that starch to help the sauce cling later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. This roux cooks for just 1-2 minutes until it starts to smell nutty—this step is key for a smooth sauce without flour flavor. Then, whisk in the half and half gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Keep cooking until bubbles form and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.

Turn down the heat and stir in minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Finally, whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until silky and melted. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning—this sauce should have enough salt and that garlicky punch we’re aiming for.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl or even back in the empty pasta pot, stir the cooked pasta, chopped cooked chicken, and sauce together until everything is evenly coated. Then, spread half of this mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella on top, layer the rest of the pasta mixture over it, and finish with the remaining mozzarella. This layering ensures cheesy pockets throughout.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Melty Perfection

Pop the casserole into a 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want the top golden and bubbly like a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—that little wait helps everything settle and makes scooping easier. If you like, a sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving because the green adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes for a little heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if I want a tangy twist.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts are also favorites of mine for adding texture and earthy flavor. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make it feel like a full comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special family dinners or holidays, I serve this casserole in individual ramekins rather than a big dish—it makes the meal feel more elegant and personalized. Another fun idea is to sprinkle different cheeses on top for a colorful, textured crust that dazzles guests. You can even add a layer of sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside before baking to jazz it up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the leftover casserole completely before transferring it to an airtight container to store in the fridge. It stays great for 3-4 days, and I find the flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully if you want to prep in advance. I assemble the casserole but hold off on baking, then wrap it tightly in foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, adding some extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through fully.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover my portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly—this keeps the top from drying out. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too, but the oven gives that fresh-baked texture and flavor back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Pasta Casserole Recipe enough if you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. It’s one of those go-to dishes in my kitchen because of how forgiving it is and how satisfied everyone feels after eating it. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again for simple weeknight dinners or special family gatherings.

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