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
Scale
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.
