Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, crispy cheese topping. It’s an ideal family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and full of savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine 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 is too thick, stir in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Broil for Crispiness: Remove the foil and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the creamy pasta bake warm.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for creaminess.
- Broiling at the end gives a nice browned, crispy cheese crust; monitor carefully to avoid burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked when ready; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of color and fresh flavor but is optional.
