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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently fold the ingredients until thoroughly incorporated. If the mixture appears too dense, incorporate reserved pasta water to create a smoother, more luxurious consistency.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Elegantly scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- 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.
- For an optional golden-brown finish, activate the broiler and crisp the top for 2-3 minutes, monitoring carefully to prevent burning.
- 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