If you have a craving for a comforting, luscious dinner that brings all the best flavors of creamy garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken together, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is here to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly cooked rotini pasta enveloped in rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, mingling with juicy chicken pieces, then baked to bubbling, cheesy perfection with a golden crust. It is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, filling, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this dish shine. Each element is straightforward but carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make every bite memorable.
- Rotini pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto the creamy sauce superbly, making each forkful delightfully saucy.
- Cooked chicken: Diced or shredded, it adds protein and substance, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
- Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that ensures every bite is decadently rich and smooth.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce: Boosts the garlic and cheese depth, balancing the Alfredo perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that signature ooey-gooey top layer.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, savory kick and helps form that golden crust when baked.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens up the dish visually and adds a hint of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures even cooking and easy cleanup later. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining — it often proves helpful in adjusting sauce consistency.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with your diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture feels too thick, gently stir in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This mixture is the heart of your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe and should be rich and creamy.
Step 3: Assembling the Bake
Transfer the saucy pasta and chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure every piece bakes uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top to guarantee a beautifully melted and bubbly topping.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt perfectly. For that coveted golden and crispy top, remove the foil and broil the bake for an additional 2 to 3 minutes — but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 5: Resting and Garnishing
Once out of the oven, let your pasta bake rest for five minutes to set up and cool slightly. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is now ready to serve and devour!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the rich dish without overpowering it. Alternatively, a light dusting of extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can add a little extra pizzazz and dimension.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad drizzled with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Soft garlic bread on the side is an excellent companion, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the bake family-style directly from the baking dish for cozy sharing. Or, portion it into individual ramekins and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before broiling for a personalized, bubbling mini bake treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more over time, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, this pasta bake freezes well. Assemble the dish but do not bake it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions, but watch the timing to keep the creamy sauce from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the sauce, penne or rigatoni work wonderfully as well. Just make sure whichever pasta you choose is cooked al dente before baking.
What if I don’t have garlic Parmesan sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with extra Alfredo sauce and add 1 to 2 cloves of minced garlic sautéed in butter for that garlic punch.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for a meatless but equally flavorful bake.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
After baking, broil the dish without the foil for a few minutes while watching carefully. You can also sprinkle a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan on top before baking for extra crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe truly feels like a gift to your taste buds and your soul. It’s simple enough to make on any weeknight but special enough to serve when friends and family come over. Once you try it, it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation because who can resist that heavenly combo of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese? Give it a go and prepare to fall in love with your new go-to casserole!
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and cheesy dish featuring tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, and rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese toppings, this hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep and can be ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: 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 thoroughly.
- 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 to taste. If the mixture appears too thick, add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top the mixture with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses for a cheesy crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for Crispiness: Remove the foil carefully and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- Use rotini or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Cooked chicken can be rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Covering the dish while baking prevents the pasta from drying out.
- Broiling at the end adds a delightful cheesy crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
