Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a gooey, cheesy topping. The garlic parmesan flavor is the star of the show, infusing every bite with a savory, garlicky goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a dish for a dinner party, this pasta bake is sure to impress.

With its creamy Alfredo sauce and garlic parmesan sauce, this dish is incredibly easy to prepare yet full of decadent flavors. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or any time you’re craving something cheesy and comforting. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, as leftovers reheat wonderfully. Grab your baking dish and get ready for a cozy meal the whole family will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy – The combination of Alfredo sauce and garlic parmesan sauce creates a luxuriously creamy base that coats every piece of pasta.
2. Cheesy Goodness – With both mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is loaded with cheesy flavor that melts into the pasta and chicken.
3. Packed with Protein – The addition of cooked chicken makes this pasta bake hearty and satisfying, perfect for a complete meal.
4. Simple Ingredients – This recipe uses pantry staples and minimal prep, making it an easy and quick dish to put together.
5. Comfort Food – The cheesy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken make this dish the perfect comfort food, ideal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

• Penne pasta (cooked and drained, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
• Cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• Alfredo sauce (2 jars, 15 ounces each)
• Garlic parmesan sauce (1 cup)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can mix in vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a spicy version of this pasta bake.
• Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with turkey, sausage, or even shrimp for a twist on the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a richer, earthier flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, making sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs.

Step 3: Combine the Sauces

In a large bowl, mix the Alfredo sauce and garlic parmesan sauce. Add the reserved pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce slightly, if needed. Stir in the salt and black pepper to season the sauce.

Step 4: Mix Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, spreading them evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy option, rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the pasta bake.
• Customize the Sauce: If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add minced garlic to the sauce or increase the amount of garlic parmesan sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, be sure to cook it al dente before assembling the bake to avoid mushy pasta.
• Cheese Variation: If you like more cheese, you can add extra mozzarella or use a blend of cheeses such as provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
• Add Extra Creaminess: For a creamier texture, stir in some cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce before mixing with the pasta and chicken.

How to Serve

• Serve as a Main Dish: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is hearty enough to be the main course on its own, and it pairs perfectly with a simple salad or garlic bread.
• Side Dish Option: It also works well as a side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• With a Fresh Salad: A side of greens or a Caesar salad will complement the richness of the pasta bake and add some freshness to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta bake cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the whole dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini in place of penne.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then bake it the day you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Can I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

5. What kind of chicken should I use?

You can use any cooked chicken you prefer—shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or even leftover cooked chicken.

6. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella with a different melting cheese like provolone or fontina for a different flavor.

7. Can I freeze the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping it tightly for freezing.

8. Can I use a store-bought garlic parmesan sauce?

Yes, store-bought garlic parmesan sauce works just as well in this recipe, saving you some time.

9. How do I make sure the cheese doesn’t burn on top?

Cover the pasta bake with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover it for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown without burning.

10. Can I use a different sauce instead of Alfredo?

You can substitute Alfredo sauce with a creamy white sauce or even a homemade bechamel sauce if desired.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different ingredients, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this recipe delivers big flavor with little effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this pasta bake will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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