If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy richness with bold, savory flavors, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a luscious blend of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. Every bite bursts with cheesy goodness and garlicky warmth, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight meals or casual family gatherings. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this pasta bake delivers guaranteed satisfaction and hearty comfort.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredient list. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor and texture.

Rotini pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully, giving you a flavorful bite every time.
Cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and a tender texture that complements the creamy sauce.
Alfredo sauce: Rich and velvety, it forms the base of the creamy sauce mixture.
Garlic Parmesan sauce: Brings a sharp, garlicky tang that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create a gooey, irresistible topping.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth and a slightly nutty finish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh pop of color and lightness when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Chicken

Start by cooking 1 pound of rotini pasta until just al dente, then drain and reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water for later. Meanwhile, dice or shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure it disperses evenly throughout the dish.

Step 2: Mix the Sauces

In a large bowl, combine two jars of Alfredo sauce with one cup of garlic Parmesan sauce. Stir these creamy bases together until smooth, setting the stage for that rich, garlicky flavor that makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce mixture. Toss everything gently, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to season the entire mixture perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the saucy pasta and chicken mix to a large baking dish. Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheese layering is what creates that coveted bubbly, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. The aromas filling your kitchen are a sure sign that dinner is about to be served.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

While the bake is deliciously satisfying as is, adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green contrast and a hint of freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make fantastic complements.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or cast-iron skillets and allow guests to grab their own cozy, hands-on servings. You could also add a drizzle of extra garlic butter or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks.

Freezing

If you want to save portions for later, freeze the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure it has fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and creamy, or microwave individual servings covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching sauce, other shapes like penne or rigatoni will work just as well and add their own unique texture to the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cheeses and sauces with dairy-free alternatives such as cashew-based Alfredo or vegan mozzarella to adapt this recipe to a dairy-free diet while keeping the creamy texture intact.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

For best results, use cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid drying out the chicken. If using raw, cook it thoroughly before combining with the other ingredients.

How spicy is this bake? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild and creamy, making it great for all tastes. If you love spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before baking.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in your culinary toolkit, you’re all set to create those comforting dinner moments filled with creamy, cheesy joy. Whether for family dinners, potlucks, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, this recipe never fails to deliver warmth and happiness right to your plate. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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3.9 from 79 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole combining tender rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, all topped with a melty golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish bakes until bubbly and is garnished with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

Sauce

2 jars (15 oz each) Alfredo sauce
1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce

Cheese & Seasoning

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, salt, and black pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread it out to ensure uniform baking.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a delicious meal.