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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5.1 from 7 reviews

This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender rotini pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich blend of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked and drained, save 1 cup cooking water)

Chicken

  • 3 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded)

Sauces & Cheese

  • 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Seasoning & Garnish

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for sauciness)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rotini, diced or shredded chicken, both jars of Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
  4. Mix Thoroughly: Stir all ingredients well until combined evenly. If the mixture seems too thick or dry, add up to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, saucy consistency.
  5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
  6. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Optional Broil: For a golden brown top, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • Using freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken works well for this recipe.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and add extra creaminess.
  • You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the sauce mixture.
  • To make it vegetarian, omit the chicken and add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.
  • Watch the broiler closely during the final step to avoid burning the cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, Chicken Pasta Casserole, Creamy Pasta Bake, Rotini Pasta Bake, Easy Chicken Dinner