This creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect comforting dish, loaded with tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of cooking water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer extra sauciness, add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to the mixture.
3. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
5. Bake the Pasta:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Optional – Broil for a Golden Top:
For a golden brown top, remove the foil and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
8. Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
Serving:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 Servings
Variations:
- Add Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the pasta bake for added nutrients and flavor.
- Change the Protein: Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or ground beef for a different protein option.
- Use Different Cheeses: For a sharper taste, use a mix of cheddar or gouda along with the mozzarella.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just cover with foil and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I substitute the garlic parmesan sauce?
A: If you can’t find garlic parmesan sauce, you can use more Alfredo sauce and add extra garlic powder and Parmesan cheese to achieve a similar flavor.
Conclusion:
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even potlucks, and with its versatility, you can customize it to suit your taste!
