A Creamy Pasta Bake That Feels Like Home
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling tray of pasta, especially when it’s coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and filled with tender pieces of chicken. For Chef Joudia, this dish brings back the warmth of quiet Sunday evenings, when the kitchen smells of roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and golden cheese would drift down the hall, calling everyone to the table. She often says this recipe is like a gentle hug — nourishing, simple, and always satisfying.
Inspired by classic family flavors and a love for easy, oven-baked meals, this Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake has become one of her go-to recipes. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for busy days, or simply treating your loved ones to something hearty and homemade. And best of all, it uses only halal-friendly, everyday ingredients — no complicated steps, no fancy tools, just honest, feel-good cooking straight from the heart.
Looking for a slightly lighter twist? Try our creamy garlic chicken pasta with spinach for extra greens.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that brings people together — whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Chef Joudia loves how this dish delivers bold, comforting flavor with simple ingredients and very little fuss. The creamy garlic sauce wraps around each piece of pasta like a warm blanket, while the tender chicken adds just the right amount of heartiness. A golden top layer of melted cheese finishes everything off with that irresistible baked goodness.
What sets this pasta bake apart is its perfect balance — creamy but not heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and deeply satisfying without needing anything fancy. It’s also a very forgiving recipe: you can prepare it ahead of time, swap out the type of pasta, or even sneak in some extra veggies if you like.
Best of all, it’s made entirely with halal-friendly pantry staples — no shortcuts, no artificial flavors, and no questionable ingredients. Just honest, home-style food your whole family will ask for again and again.
For another warm and cozy meal, you can try our easy classic chicken noodle soup with vegetables.
Ingredients 📝 + Instructions 👩🍳
🛒 Ingredients:
(Serves 4–6)
- 🍗 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 🍝 300g penne or fusilli pasta
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧈 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 🌿 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
- 🥛 1 cup cooking cream (or heavy cream if available)
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk (full-fat preferred)
- 🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated cheddar or gouda (optional for extra flavor)
- 🌿 Chopped parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with butter or oil. - Boil the Pasta:
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and dried herbs. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned). - Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
Pour in the cream and milk. Stir well to combine. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. 👩🍳 Chef Joudia’s tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold milk and stir it into the sauce.
- Combine Everything:
Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. - Assemble the Bake:
Pour the creamy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar (if using) evenly on top. - Bake:
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. - Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Serving Tips + Nutrition Info
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake is best served hot and fresh out of the oven, when the cheese is still bubbly and golden. For a balanced meal, Chef Joudia often pairs it with a simple side salad — crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon-olive oil dressing work beautifully to balance the richness of the bake. A side of steamed green beans or roasted carrots also adds a lovely touch.
If you’re preparing it for guests or a gathering, you can make the entire dish ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
🔍 Estimated Nutrition Information (Per Serving — serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Fat | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 360 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
A: The term “marry me pasta” comes from how delicious and comforting this type of creamy pasta can be — it’s the kind of dish that makes people say, “I could marry you for this!” While our recipe is slightly different, with chicken and a pasta bake twist, it brings the same creamy, cozy feeling.
Q: How do I make creamy garlic pasta sauce?
A: Simply sauté fresh garlic in butter, then add cream and milk. Let it simmer gently to thicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs. It’s easy, quick, and rich in flavor without needing any store-bought sauces.
Q: How do I make creamy garlic sauce for chicken?
A: Start by browning your chicken (if uncooked), then prepare the garlic cream sauce separately. Once the sauce thickens, add the cooked chicken and let it simmer together for a few minutes to absorb the flavor.
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream in a pasta bake?
A: Yes, you can! For a lighter version, use full-fat milk and thicken the sauce slightly with a bit of cornstarch. Keep in mind, cream gives a richer texture, but milk can work in a pinch.
🧡 Closing Message from Chef Joudia
“This pasta bake is more than just a meal — it’s a little moment of peace at the table. I hope it fills your kitchen with warmth and your hearts with comfort. May it bring joy to everyone you share it with.”
— Chef Joudia
