Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender rotini pasta and cooked chicken baked in a rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor with an optional fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 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 before draining the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix 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. If the mixture seems too thick, add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly throughout.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use rotini or any other short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Pre-cooked chicken works best for quick assembly—leftover or rotisserie chicken is great.
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based Alfredo sauce and cheeses.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil to add color and fresh flavor.
- Broiling for topping is optional but adds a nice golden crust.
