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
Scale
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