Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. Made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce, this dish is baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly cheese topping. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that combines classic Italian flavors with the ease of a one-pan bake. This recipe is simple to customize, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or swap in alternative proteins, making it as versatile as it is satisfying. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add about ½ cup pasta water if needed for extra sauciness.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta: Use sturdy, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. These shapes hold the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish. You can cook the chicken by grilling, baking, or pan-frying it. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, adding a rich, savory flavor without extra prep time.
- Sauce: The garlic Parmesan sauce is key to this dish’s rich flavor. When making the sauce, slowly whisk in the cream and Parmesan for a smooth consistency. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Cheese: Parmesan is essential for the flavor, but feel free to add mozzarella or cheddar for an extra creamy texture and gooey top. For a crispy, golden finish, broil the dish for a few minutes at the end of baking.
- Customizations:
- Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers to incorporate more nutrients and color.
- Protein swaps: Swap the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or a vegetarian option like tofu or mushrooms to suit your preferences.
- Herbs and spices: For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Make-Ahead and Freezing: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, assemble the bake, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
- Leftovers: This dish holds up well for leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce when reheating.