Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Bake Recipe: Rich, Golden, and Perfectly Comforting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. Imagine tender pasta enveloped in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, topped with bubbling mozzarella and baked until irresistibly crisp on top and creamy underneath. I made this once for a weeknight dinner, and it instantly became a family favorite — it’s simple, satisfying, and full of that cozy homemade flavor everyone craves. This dish is perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or when you need something hearty and crowd-pleasing. Each bite is packed with creamy goodness, savory garlic, and a touch of elegance that makes it feel like a restaurant-quality meal right from your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta — Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best; they hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

Butter — Forms the base of the sauce and adds rich, savory flavor.

Garlic — The star ingredient, infusing every bite with deep aromatic flavor.

All-purpose flour — Helps thicken the sauce to a luxuriously creamy consistency.

Chicken broth — Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.

Heavy cream or half-and-half — For that indulgent, silky texture.

Parmesan cheese — The key to the sauce’s nutty, salty flavor.

Mozzarella cheese — Melts beautifully, creating that irresistible cheesy top layer.

Italian seasoning — A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor of the sauce.

Salt and black pepper — For seasoning and balance.

Fresh parsley — Adds color and a bright finishing touch.

Optional add-ins: Cooked chicken, spinach, or broccoli for extra texture and flavor.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Remove from heat and combine the sauce with the cooked pasta. If desired, add in cooked chicken, spinach, or broccoli at this stage.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6. Preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking about 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. For freezing, cool completely before wrapping tightly; reheat in the oven after thawing overnight in the fridge.

Variations and Customizations

Chicken Alfredo Bake — Add cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for a hearty twist.

Spinach and Mushroom — Stir in sautéed spinach and mushrooms for earthy flavor.

Bacon Lovers — Add crispy bacon bits on top for extra crunch and saltiness.

Seafood Style — Mix in shrimp or crab for a decadent, restaurant-inspired dish.

Broccoli Cheddar Version — Add steamed broccoli and extra cheddar cheese.

Four-Cheese Bake — Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, fontina, and Parmesan for richness.

Spicy Garlic Bake — Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for a gentle kick.

Gluten-Free — Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make it allergy-friendly.

Lighter Version — Substitute half-and-half or milk for cream and reduce cheese slightly.

Herb Lovers — Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for aromatic depth.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce best and bakes evenly.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner; add an extra tablespoon of flour for thickness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze this pasta bake?

Absolutely — it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I keep the sauce creamy after baking?

Don’t overbake — remove it once the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes, cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp all make great additions.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s better to grate your own cheese — it melts more smoothly.

What sides go well with it?

Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp Caesar salad complement it perfectly.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the meat.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Add an extra layer of mozzarella or stir in some cream cheese for a richer sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic Parmesan pasta bake is the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity — a dish that’s hearty enough for family dinners yet elegant enough for guests. The creamy garlic sauce, gooey melted cheese, and golden baked top create a comforting, irresistible meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you serve it as a main course or a decadent side, every forkful delivers pure, cheesy satisfaction — the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds.

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