Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole perfect for a family dinner. It features tender rotini pasta combined with savory cooked chicken and rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish delivers creamy, garlicky flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- 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. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta to use in the sauce if needed.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked 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 black pepper. Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water if the mixture feels too thick to help combine all ingredients smoothly.
- Assemble bake: Transfer the creamy pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to ensure a golden and cheesy crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly throughout.
- Broil for topping: Remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes more, watching closely to achieve a golden, crispy top without burning.
- Rest and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, add extra garlic Parmesan sauce or minced garlic when mixing.
- Use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute part of the Alfredo sauce with plain Greek yogurt or use low-fat cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking can add extra nutrition and flavor.
