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
Scale
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.
