You know that moment during the holidays when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—but you also don’t want to spend hours slaving over the stove? That’s exactly why I fell in love with this Christmas Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. It’s become my go-to dish for busy December nights when I need something festive but fuss-free. Trust me, the way the garlic and Parmesan meld together with that golden, crispy topping? Pure magic. And the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes—which means more time for decorating cookies or wrapping presents (or, let’s be real, collapsing on the couch with a glass of wine). I first made this for my sister’s holiday potluck, and now it’s officially a tradition—her kids beg for it every year!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Let me tell you why this dish is about to become your new holiday lifesaver:
- Lightning fast – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes? Yes please! When you’re juggling holiday madness, this pasta bake is your golden ticket to a warm, satisfying meal without the stress.
- Flavor bomb – That crispy Parmesan crust, the garlicky chicken, the creamy pasta – it’s like Christmas exploded in your mouth (in the best possible way).
- Holiday-ready – Festive enough for Christmas dinner, easy enough for weeknight leftovers. It’s the perfect balance of special and simple.
- Minimal mess – One air fryer does all the work, meaning less cleanup and more time for what really matters – like stealing bites of cookie dough when no one’s looking.
Ingredients for Christmas Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this holiday miracle happen – and trust me, every single ingredient plays a starring role:
- 2 cups cooked pasta – I usually grab penne or rotini because those ridges hold onto all that garlicky goodness, but use whatever shape makes you happy (just make sure it’s al dente before baking!)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces – Pro tip: slice them against the grain for extra tenderness
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t you dare use that pre-minced stuff! Fresh garlic makes all the difference here
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The real deal, please! That green can won’t give you the same melty magic
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This is what creates that luscious, velvety sauce that coats every noodle
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs – Panko works great for extra crunch if that’s what you’ve got
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to get that chicken beautifully golden
- 1 tsp dried parsley – For that pop of color and fresh herbal note
- 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper – The dynamic duo that makes all the flavors sing
Equipment Needed
You probably have most of this in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air fryer – Any model will work, but make sure your baking dish fits inside
- Mixing bowls – One for the chicken, one for the pasta mixture
- Oven-safe baking dish – I use a small ceramic one that fits perfectly in my air fryer basket
- Silicone spatula – For scraping every last bit of that delicious sauce
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For prepping the chicken and garlic
How to Make Christmas Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is easier than untangling Christmas lights – and way more rewarding. Here’s exactly how I make this pasta bake magic happen:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first – get that air fryer preheating to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, toss your diced chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the garlic – this is where all that flavor starts! Pop the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway, until it hits that perfect 165°F internal temp. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges get that gorgeous golden color.
Step 2: Assemble the Pasta Bake
Now the fun part! In your baking dish (make sure it fits in your air fryer!), mix together the cooked pasta, your beautiful garlicky chicken, heavy cream, and half the Parmesan. Stir it gently but thoroughly – you want every noodle coated in that creamy goodness. The scent alone will have your family wandering into the kitchen like hungry little elves!
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Top your pasta mixture with breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan – this is what creates that irresistible crispy crust. Slide the dish into your preheated air fryer and cook for 5-7 more minutes. Watch for that magical moment when the top turns golden brown and bubbly. A quick sprinkle of dried parsley at the end adds the perfect festive touch. And voilà – Christmas dinner in minutes!
Tips for the Best Christmas Air fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Want to take this dish from good to “can I have thirds?” glorious? Here are my foolproof tricks:
- Undercook your pasta – Boil it 1-2 minutes shy of al dente because it’ll keep cooking in the air fryer. Mushy pasta is the Grinch of this recipe!
- Garlic is your BFF – That jarred stuff won’t cut it. Freshly minced garlic gives the boldest, most festive flavor. (Yes, I’ve tested this approximately 37 times.)
- Shake it up – Give the chicken a good shake halfway through cooking for even browning. Think of it like giving your ingredients a little Christmas jig!
- Watch the cheese – That Parmesan topping goes from golden to burnt quicker than you can say “Santa.” Check at 5 minutes – your nose will tell you when it’s perfect.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s as flexible as Santa squeezing down chimneys! Here are my favorite ways to mix it up:
- Protein swap – Leftover turkey from Christmas dinner works beautifully instead of chicken. Just chop it up and skip the initial cooking step!
- Gluten-free? No problem! Use your favorite GF pasta and almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for that crispy topping.
- Veggie boost – Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or roasted red peppers when mixing the pasta for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheese lovers – Try mixing in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan for extra gooey goodness. Because let’s be honest – can you ever have too much cheese?
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake shines brightest when paired with simple sides that let the garlic-Parmesan flavors take center stage. I love serving it with:
- Crusty garlic bread – Because let’s face it, you can never have too much garlic during the holidays!
- A crisp green salad – The fresh crunch balances the rich, creamy pasta perfectly
- Roasted Brussels sprouts – Their earthy flavor complements the cheesy goodness so well
And don’t forget the wine – a crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness like Christmas magic!
Storage and Reheating
Now, let me tell you my favorite part about this Christmas pasta bake – it’s even better the next day! Store any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. That’s the magic of the air fryer – it brings back that crispy topping like it was freshly made. No sad, soggy leftovers here! Just cover loosely with foil if you’re worried about over-browning. Trust me, this reheats so well you might find yourself making extra just to have leftovers on purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe from friends and family – here are the answers to the ones I hear most often:
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken, just skip the initial cooking step. Toss about 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken right into the pasta mixture. The air fryer will warm it through perfectly. This shortcut makes the recipe even faster – Christmas miracle!
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The secret is two-fold: First, don’t overcook the chicken in that initial step – pull it at 165°F. Second, the heavy cream and cheese create a protective blanket that keeps everything moist during the final bake. If you’re really worried, you can add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the chicken before cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble everything up to the final air frying step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes while your air fryer preheats. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the final cooking time since it’s going in cold.
My air fryer is small – can I halve this recipe?
Of course! Just use a smaller baking dish that fits your air fryer. The cook times might decrease slightly since there’s less volume – start checking at 6 minutes for the chicken and 4 minutes for the final bake. The smells will let you know when it’s ready!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that it’ll stop you from going back for seconds!), here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving. Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact counts will vary depending on your ingredients. But hey, it’s Christmas – we’re here for flavor, not math!
- Calories: 420 (worth every single one!)
- Fat: 18g (mostly the good kind from olive oil and cheese)
- Protein: 28g (all that chicken power)
- Carbs: 35g (pasta hugs for your soul)
- Fiber: 2g (hey, it’s something!)
Now go enjoy that cheesy, garlicky goodness – Santa definitely approves.
Print
30-Minute Christmas Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Bliss
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta bake combining tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix diced chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Air fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.
- In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta, chicken, heavy cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Air fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with dried parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Adjust garlic and Parmesan to taste.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Italian-American