Description
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and golden-brown cheese create a delightful meal packed with rich flavors and irresistible aromas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cut into pieces or shredded
- 2 jars (15 ounces/425 grams each) alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Liquid:
- Up to ½ cup (118 milliliters) pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine fully cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, zesty garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Season the pasta mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
- If the mixture appears dry, gradually incorporate reserved pasta cooking water to achieve a smooth, cohesive consistency.
- Transfer the entire pasta and chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a generous, even layer of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the cheese melts and the dish is heated thoroughly.
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil, positioning the dish about 4-5 inches from the heat source.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and develops a slight crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the cheese to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve warm directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of cheese and chicken.
Notes
- Perfectly balance the creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces for a rich, indulgent flavor profile that elevates this comfort food classic.
- Keep pasta slightly al dente before baking to prevent mushy texture and maintain a delightful bite in the final dish.
- Reserve some pasta water as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring the perfect creamy coating for every pasta noodle.
- Customize the cheese blend by experimenting with different varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make this crowd-pleasing meal a stress-free weeknight dinner solution that impresses family and friends.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 800 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 2200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg