The Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Creamy, cheesy comfort flows through every bite of this mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises pure dinner delight.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly between golden pasta layers enriched with robust parmesan notes.

Aromatic garlic weaves its magic, creating depth and warmth in each forkful.

The dish brings together simple ingredients that create extraordinary flavor combinations.

Melted cheese stretches elegantly across perfectly cooked pasta, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Weeknight dinners transform from ordinary to extraordinary with this hearty, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to savor every delectable spoonful of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape holds sauce well and cooks similarly.

• Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred or dice the chicken before mixing into the pasta.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Comfort in a Dish

• Dive into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that wraps you in pure deliciousness with minimal kitchen effort.
• Easily swap chicken with leftover turkey, add veggies, or adjust cheese quantities to match your taste preferences and what's in your fridge.
• Throw together this one-dish wonder in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
• Guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy goodness and familiar flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone at the dinner table.

Pasta Bake Ingredient List with Garlic and Parmesan

• Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
• Chicken: The protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta bake.
• Alfredo Sauce: A rich, creamy white sauce that provides a luxurious base for the dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A flavorful sauce that adds depth and cheesy garlic notes to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping and add a delicious cheesy flavor to the pasta bake.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, optional garnish for added color and flavor.
• Cooking Spray, Butter: Used to prevent sticking and grease the baking dish.
• Pasta Water: Reserved cooking liquid that helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Tools for Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and holding enough water.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious bowl for combining pasta, chicken, and sauces smoothly.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Measuring Cups: Helps measure pasta water and sauce quantities accurately.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients together without scratching bowl.
• Optional Broiler-Safe Dish: If planning to get a golden cheese crust.

Baking Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Get your oven warmed up to 375F (190C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a light butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring it to a rolling boil and toss in the rotini pasta.

Cook until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions.

Once done, drain the pasta but save a cup of the starchy cooking water – this liquid gold will come in handy later.

Step 3: Combine Delicious Ingredients

• Cooked rotini pasta
• Tender diced or shredded chicken
• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Zesty garlic Parmesan sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 4: Create the Perfect Sauce

Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

If the mixture looks a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a beautiful blanket of cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the entire dish is heated through.

Step 8: Optional Golden Finish

For an extra touch of deliciousness, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Watch it carefully to get a gorgeous golden-brown crust without burning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top.

Serve it up while it’s warm and get ready for some serious comfort food happiness!

Tips for Cheesy Pasta Bake Perfection

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a creamy and perfectly coated dish that's not too dry or sticky.
• Use rotisserie chicken or season raw chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra depth of taste before mixing into the pasta.
• Cover the dish with aluminum foil during initial baking to melt cheese evenly and prevent excessive browning, removing foil only for final golden crust.
• Let cheese reach room temperature before adding to the dish, helping it melt more smoothly and creating a more uniform, creamy topping.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making meal prep easier and more convenient.

Pasta Bake Variations for Cheesy Nights

• Vegetarian Zucchini Swap: Replace chicken with roasted zucchini and mushrooms, using vegetable Alfredo sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese, adding oregano and basil for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure Alfredo sauce is gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, and swap some Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, spicy profile.

How to Serve Chicken Pasta Bake Hot

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the chicken pasta bake on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs and extra grated Parmesan on the side for guests to customize their servings.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich pasta with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy dish and add freshness.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta bake to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy, cheesy flavors of the pasta bake.

Pasta Bake Storage Tips for Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pasta maintains quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra sauce to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings comfort and flavor to weeknight dinners. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta combine in one satisfying Mediterranean-inspired casserole you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup pasta water (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the rotini pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta, keeping 1 cup of cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, unite the cooked rotini, tender chicken pieces, creamy Alfredo sauce, robust garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Gently fold the ingredients until thoroughly incorporated. If the mixture appears too dense, incorporate reserved pasta water to create a smoother, more luxurious consistency.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Elegantly scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the casserole to heat through thoroughly.
8. For an optional golden-brown finish, activate the broiler and crisp the top for 2-3 minutes, monitoring carefully to prevent burning.
9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to settle the flavors. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch. Serve immediately while warm and delectable.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with shredded turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring creamy consistency without becoming too dry or runny.
• Enhance flavor by using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged, which provides more robust and authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 514
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 1155mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 88mg