If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together rich flavors and creamy textures, the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is your next must-try. This dish effortlessly combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and an indulgent blend of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces into one heavenly casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic goodness, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or when you want to impress guests with minimal fuss. Once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, guaranteed to fill your home with irresistible aromas and happy smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor, pleasing in texture, and wonderfully satisfying. Each component plays a special role: the pasta provides the perfect base, chicken adds protein and heartiness, while the sauces and cheeses deliver that luscious creaminess and depth that makes this bake unforgettable.
- Rotini pasta (1 pound): The twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Cooked chicken, diced or shredded (3 cups): Adds tender, savory bites that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Alfredo sauce (2 jars, 15 ounces each): Rich, buttery, and smooth, this is the base of the luscious sauce.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce (1 cup): Infuses the dish with a flavorful garlic punch and extra cheesy goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, stringy perfection, adding creaminess and stretch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkles in a sharp, salty bite that lifts the whole dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of warmth and subtle spice.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Offers a splash of color and fresh herbaceous brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so that your pasta bake doesn’t stick. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon to adjust the sauce’s consistency later!
Step 2: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauces
In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked pasta with your diced or shredded chicken. Pour in both the Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, stirring well so every piece of pasta is coated in creamy deliciousness. Toss in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper. If the mixture feels a little thick, add about half a cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up perfectly for baking.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Dish
Transfer this luscious mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top for that irresistible cheesy crust. Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake and Broil for a Golden Finish
Bake covered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with joy. To achieve that beautiful golden, crisp top, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Keep a close eye on it as it only takes a couple of minutes to turn perfectly golden and slightly crisp on top. Then, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to set.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just about appearance—it adds a hit of freshness that cuts through the rich creaminess and brightens every bite. You can also add a dash of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty bake pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A fresh Caesar salad or steamed asparagus with lemon zest brings balance and variety to your meal, making it even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in small, oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and freshly chopped herbs. This not only looks inviting but also allows your guests to enjoy their own personal creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days while maintaining their creamy texture and flavors.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes beautifully. To freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or cover the baking dish securely with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to two months, perfect for busy days when you want a delicious homemade meal ready in minutes.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture and cheese melt. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the dish moist and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini holds sauce wonderfully thanks to its shape, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushy results after baking.
Is it necessary to use pre-cooked chicken?
Using pre-cooked chicken is convenient and speeds up the process, but you can easily cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs before combining. Just season and pan-cook or bake until fully done, then shred or dice for the bake.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, look for dairy-free Alfredo and Parmesan-style sauces and use a plant-based cheese alternative. For gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces and ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
The reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it silkier and preventing the bake from becoming dry or too thick. It’s a subtle trick that elevates the texture wonderfully.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta bake?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted bell peppers are fantastic additions that bring extra nutrients and color. Just toss them in during the mixing step before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace on a plate—comforting, rich, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a reliable crowd-pleaser, this bake delivers every time. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones around the table, and enjoy the creamy goodness that only this delightful pasta bake can offer.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, and rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces. Topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, crispy finish, this dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper. If the mixture appears too thick, stir in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly for consistent cooking. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
- Broil for Crispiness: Remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or rigatoni for a similar texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the added pasta water or use less Alfredo sauce.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- To make ahead, assemble the pasta bake and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
