Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight meal. Tender pasta, flavorful shredded chicken, and a rich blend of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces come together for an irresistibly cheesy and savory dish. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and Parmesan on top, this pasta bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
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1 pound penne pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
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3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
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1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
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Combine the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. If the mixture is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
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Cook the Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
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This recipe is great for meal prep—make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
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You can substitute the chicken for turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu or tempeh.
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To make it a bit lighter, you can use a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- If you like a crispier top, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American