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)
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.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Reserve pasta water helps to keep the sauce creamy and bind the ingredients.
- You can add vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using pre-seasoned sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American