Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy and cheesy comfort food casserole made with tender chicken, rotini pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this baked pasta recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray for greasing dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Stir well until evenly coated.
- Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if the sauce mixture seems too thick.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden cheese topping, watching carefully.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Do not overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- Add extra pasta water for a creamier consistency.
- Freshly shredded mozzarella melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This pasta bake freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 78 mg