There is something incredibly comforting about a dish that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce baked to bubbly perfection. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is just that kind of dish—an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a family favorite that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to impress guests. With garlic-infused Alfredo sauce, rich Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella melting throughout, this bake promises a dinner everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, you’ll want to have a handful of simple, fresh ingredients on hand—each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and color. From the pasta that forms the hearty base to the cheeses that add irresistible gooeyness, every item contributes something essential.
- Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Cooked chicken: Tender and diced or shredded for easy blending with the pasta and sauce.
- Alfredo sauce (2 jars, 15 oz each): The creamy backbone of the dish, rich and garlicky, that ties everything together.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce (1 cup): Adds a punch of sharp, buttery garlic flavor with the tang of Parmesan cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups shredded): This melts perfectly to create that signature gooey, cheesy top layer.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup grated): Sprinkled in for an extra boost of salty, nutty flavor.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): For a pop of fresh green color and earthy brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Begin by cooking your rotini pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid can help loosen the sauce later if needed. The spiral shape of the rotini is perfect for catching the Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauce to ensure every forkful is a taste sensation.
Step 2: Combine chicken and sauces
In a large mixing bowl, toss your cooked chicken with the two jars of Alfredo sauce and the cup of garlic Parmesan sauce. This combination guarantees the chicken is moist and flavorful, infused with creamy garlic Parmesan goodness, creating a base that will make the bake irresistible.
Step 3: Mix pasta with sauce and season
Add the drained rotini pasta to the chicken and sauce mixture. Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper, then gently fold everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, tease it out with a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water for a luxuriously smooth texture that perfectly coats every piece.
Step 4: Layer the pasta bake
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top. Layer on the remaining pasta and finish with the rest of the cheeses. This layering creates a golden, bubbly crust while keeping the inside rich and creamy.
Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden
Bake the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to turn a beautiful golden brown. This step not only melds the flavors but gives you that irresistible crust that makes a pasta bake so satisfying.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a cheerful burst of green and fresh flavor, cutting through the richness while making your dish look even more inviting. For an extra touch, a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese right before serving can delight your senses.
Side Dishes
Pair this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to add refreshing contrast, or serve it alongside steamed seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also excellent for scooping up every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, consider serving the pasta bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a charming, personal touch. You can also add roasted cherry tomatoes on top before baking to introduce a burst of tangy freshness and a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes. For a crispier top, uncover for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is preferred for its sauce-catching spirals, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even shells—just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy during baking.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken, or can I use raw chicken?
Using cooked chicken saves time and ensures even cooking. If you want to use raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before combining with the sauce and pasta to avoid any food safety issues.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces with dairy-free versions and using vegan cheeses, you can enjoy a similar rich flavor profile that’s friendly to those avoiding dairy.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and bursts of flavor that complement the creamy sauce wonderfully.
How do I know when the bake is done?
The bake is ready when the cheese on top is melted and bubbling with golden brown spots, and the internal temperature is hot throughout. A lightly crisped top is your delicious sign to dig in!
Final Thoughts
The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a gem for any pasta lover looking for a comforting, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe that everyone will rave about!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender rotini pasta is combined with juicy cooked chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a flavorful garlic Parmesan sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. It serves 8 and makes a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 jars (15 oz each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Mix sauces and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and diced or shredded chicken into the sauce mixture. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency. Mix well to ensure everything is coated.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a large baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if desired before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut for the cooked chicken.
- For added vegetables, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach before baking.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
