If you are searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with ease, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute treasure. Imagine tender rotini pasta and juicy chicken enveloped in creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, topped with oodles of gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Every bite is a luscious combination of savory flavors and inviting textures that’ll have your family asking for seconds and guests inquiring about the recipe. It’s the perfect bake to serve on busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something both satisfying and simple. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so wonderfully irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one is crucial in building the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is known for. From the perfectly shaped rotini pasta to the duo of luscious sauces and the melty cheese blend, every component contributes a layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound): Its spirals hold onto sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect bite every time.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, diced or shredded): Adds hearty protein and makes this meal a satisfying main course.
- Alfredo sauce (2 jars, 15 ounces each): Brings a silky, buttery base that blends the ingredients seamlessly.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce (1 cup): Elevates the dish with rich garlic flavor and sharp Parmesan depth.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into stretchy, golden pockets of delightful cheesiness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Sprinkled in and on top for an extra punch of umami and a lovely crust.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the dish without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that wakes up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Provides a bright, fresh contrast and a pop of color.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready to go when your pasta casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and helps the edges get delightfully crispy as it bakes. A well-prepped pan is the first secret to a perfect bake.
Step 2: Mix the Magic Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together your cooked rotini pasta and diced or shredded cooked chicken. Pour in both jars of creamy Alfredo sauce and the garlic Parmesan sauce, which adds that irresistible garlicky punch. Toss in half of your shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then season with salt and black pepper. For added sauciness and smooth consistency, stir in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. This step ensures every bite is luscious without being dry.
Step 3: Assemble Your Bake
Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. Even distribution helps the flavors meld beautifully during baking. Next, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This generous cheese layer is going to turn golden and bubbly in the oven, creating that iconic pasta bake crust everyone loves.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and the aroma fills your kitchen with warm comfort. This gentle baking melds all the flavors and textures together for ultimate creaminess and tender chicken.
Step 5: Optional Broil for a Golden Finish
If you crave that irresistible golden top, remove the foil and broil your pasta bake on high for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning, but this will add a wonderfully crisp, cheesy crust that takes this dish to the next level.
Step 6: Cool and Garnish
After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce settle a bit so your servings hold their shape better. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a splash of color and herbaceous freshness that complements the rich flavors perfectly. Then grab a plate and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest, most comforting meals you’ll have this week!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a favorite finishing touch because it brightens the appearance and flavor by cutting through the richness just right. For a little crunch and texture contrast, toasted breadcrumbs or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top can also be delightful.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty rich, so pairing it with some fresh, crisp sides is ideal. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate, while steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus provide a vibrant, healthy balance. Garlic bread on the side, of course, never hurts if you want to fully indulge your carb cravings!
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for more personalized portions that impress guests. Layer the pasta bake with extra cheese and chicken to create parfait-style glass servings for a unique, visual twist on dinner. These little details make dinner feel special without any extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this pasta bake keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole baked dish or an unpacked version before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot and bubbly, or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F, covered with foil to maintain moisture, until heated through. Add a few extra minutes uncovered at the end for a refreshing melt and crisp top.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding sauce, penne, rigatoni, or shells would all work wonderfully in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Choose your favorite pasta to customize texture and appearance.
Is it okay to use store-bought Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces?
Yes! Using store-bought sauces makes this recipe incredibly quick and straightforward without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure to choose good-quality sauces for the best results.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Definitely. This bake works well with leftover turkey, cooked sausage, or even plant-based chicken alternatives. It’s very adaptable to whatever protein you have on hand.
What can I do if my bake seems too dry after baking?
If it feels dry, stirring in a little extra leftover pasta water or a splash of milk can help add moisture. Covering the dish while reheating also prevents it from drying out further.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider sprinkling in red pepper flakes while mixing the pasta or adding a dash of hot sauce to the sauces. This adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the creamy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe has a special way of turning any ordinary night into a warm, comforting celebration of flavors and textures. It’s straightforward to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll likely find it becoming a go-to recipe for busy dinners or when you crave that cozy, homemade charm. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this creamy, cheesy delight work its magic on your dinner table!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole combining tender rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s baked to perfection for a bubbly and golden finish. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy-to-make dish offers a delicious blend of creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water if the mixture seems too thick, to achieve a saucier consistency.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture for a cheesy crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Optional broil: For a golden, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil and broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake!
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
- To make the dish lighter, try using a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce and skim mozzarella cheese.
- The reserved pasta water helps keep the casserole moist and creamy.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
