Comfort food enthusiasts, rejoice! Today, I’m thrilled to share a dish that wraps warmth, comfort, and savory goodness into one cheesy package: the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. Whether you’re in need of a hearty meal for a chilly evening or seeking a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite.
What You’ll Need
First, gather your ingredients to make sure you have everything on hand:
- 1 pound rotini pasta – cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of cooking water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken – diced or shredded
- 2 jars Alfredo sauce (15 ounces each)
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pasta water (optional, for adjusting sauce consistency)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and chicken with Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces. Stir in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems too thick, add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Assemble
Transfer your pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top to create a cheesy layer that will become beautifully golden and bubbly.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The goal is for the cheese to melt thoroughly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Broil for Perfection
For those who love a golden, crispy top on their bakes, remove the foil and broil the pasta for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once done, let the bake cool for about 5 minutes. This rest period allows the pasta to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
Ready to Enjoy!
After a total prep and cooking time of about 35 minutes, your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is ready to hit the table. Each serving is packed with flavors and comes with approximately 650 kcal, making it a fulfilling meal. This recipe serves about 6 people, perfect for a family dinner.
Next time you’re in the mood for something undeniably comforting, give this recipe a try. It’s sure to earn a spot in your culinary repertoire!
CHEESY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA BAKE
Embrace the comforting embrace of melted cheese, tender pasta, and rich sauces with our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish is a hearty ensemble of rotini spirals, succulent chicken, and a duo of creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, topped off with a golden layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s the perfect comfort food to unwind with after a long day, offering both satisfaction and flavor in every bite.Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more festive gathering, this pasta bake brings smiles and warmth to the table. It combines simple ingredients with rich, creamy textures, resulting in a dish that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to serve. The optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, complementing the cheesy goodness beneath.
1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of cooking water)
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
2Â (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup pasta water (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
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.
If needed, add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to ensure the mixture is moist and saucy.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optional: For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.