Description
The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a sumptuous dish that combines tender pieces of chicken and al dente pasta with a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this bake is golden and bubbly on top, with a comforting, cheesy texture throughout.
Ingredients
1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water.
Assemble: Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Broil for Finish: Optionally, for a golden brown top, remove the foil and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool for about 5 minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley, if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Preparation Time: Including the time for boiling pasta and preparing the sauce, expect about 15 minutes of prep time.
- Cooking Time: The total cooking time from baking to broiling is about 30 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for a quick yet satisfying meal.
- Servings: This recipe serves 8, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
- Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free cheeses and a plant-based Alfredo sauce can be substituted for a vegan option.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an added nutritional boost.
- Additional Tips:
- For a crispier top, broil the pasta bake for an extra few minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
- If the pasta bake seems too dry, add a splash more of Alfredo sauce before baking to ensure it stays creamy.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 421 per serving
