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
