This creamy, cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to throw together and perfect for family dinners. With tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich blend of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, this dish is bound to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Convenient: Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time.
- Loaded with Flavor: Creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauce make each bite irresistible.
- Cheesy Goodness: With a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan, this bake is melty, gooey, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Rotini pasta: 1 pound, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of pasta water for the bake).
- Cooked chicken: 3 cups, diced or shredded for convenience.
- Alfredo sauce: 2 jars (15 oz each) for a creamy base.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce: 1 cup, adds a bold garlic flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, for that melty finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, for added richness.
- Pasta water: Optional, to adjust the sauciness.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, for garnish.
Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it a complete meal.
- Switch the Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Cook the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside, saving 1 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rotini, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and if needed, stir in up to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water for extra sauciness. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, and the pasta bake is hot and bubbly.
Step 4: Broil for Extra Color
If desired, uncover and broil for 2-3 minutes to give the top a golden, bubbly finish. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Boil just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Taste the Sauce: If using a spicy garlic Parmesan sauce, taste it first to avoid adding too much extra heat.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this dish warm, topped with fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead
To Refrigerate: Prepare and assemble the pasta bake up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes.
To Freeze: Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fusilli works well too.
2. How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in some steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms.
4. Can I skip the garlic Parmesan sauce?
Yes, you can substitute it with more Alfredo sauce and extra garlic for flavor.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a cozy, flavorful meal that’s sure to please. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and loads of cheese, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or simply satisfying a cheesy craving. Enjoy!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is loaded with tender rotini, juicy chicken, and a mix of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s simple to make and loaded with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1/2 cup pasta water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce (such as Buffalo Wild Wings Garlic Parmesan sauce)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven and Prep Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked rotini pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Mix until well combined, adding the reserved pasta water as needed for a saucier consistency. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. -
Bake the Pasta:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through.
Optional: For a golden brown top, place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. -
Serve:
Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes, keeping it covered. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Options: A rotisserie chicken works well for convenience, but you can also use baked or poached chicken breasts.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook the pasta only until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.
- Spice Level: Taste the garlic Parmesan sauce before adding any additional spice, as some brands are naturally spicy.
- Garnish: Add a pop of color with fresh parsley or basil just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 570kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Find it online: https://cookesrecipes.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-pasta-bake/
Yummy yummy !
Simple to make and way more than satisfying.