Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a showstopper that satisfies every hungry soul, and this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta and juicy chicken in a harmonious blend of flavors.

The garlic and parmesan mingle beautifully, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Cheesy, golden-brown edges promise a crispy texture that makes each bite memorable.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, this one-pan wonder comes together faster than you might expect.

Home cooks love how simple ingredients can create such a delectable meal.

This dish transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of delicious, hearty cooking that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s Get Cooking: Chicken Pasta Bake

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray.

• Pasta and Chicken Blend

Toss together cooked pasta, chicken pieces, Alfredo sauce, and half the cheese in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, creating a harmonious mixture that promises delicious flavors.

• Dish Assembly

Spread the creamy pasta and chicken evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform layer that will cook perfectly.

• Cheese Topping

Shower the remaining cheese across the top, creating a tempting blanket of melty goodness that will turn golden and irresistible.

• Baking Magic

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the hot oven. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, appetizing layer.

• Final Touch

Remove the foil for the last few minutes to achieve a golden-brown surface that will make mouths water. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Serving Delight

Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, then slice and serve while warm, ready to be devoured by hungry diners.

Quick Tips for a Better Pasta Bake

• Pasta Power Play: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles to add nutritional variety and cater to different dietary needs.
• Protein Party Swap: Replace chicken with cooked shredded turkey, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based alternatives like roasted tofu or seasoned tempeh for exciting protein variations.
• Veggie Boost Hack: Fold in roasted vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors and textures to the dish.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with additional seasonings like red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or Italian herb blend to elevate the flavor profile and create a personalized taste experience that suits your palate.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.

Serving Ideas for Pasta Bake Night

• Party Plate Companions: Serve alongside a crisp caesar salad or garlic bread to complement the rich, creamy pasta flavors and add delightful texture contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and a delicious crunch that elevates the dish's overall taste profile.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Match this comforting pasta bake with a chilled glass of unoaked chardonnay or pinot grigio, which beautifully balance the dish's creamy and cheesy notes.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and an added layer of aromatic excitement just before serving.

Leftover Friendly: How to Store Chicken Pasta Bake

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers, keeping meals ready for busy days when cooking feels impossible.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store up to three months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time.
• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftover pasta bake in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack cold or warmed portions in meal prep containers for delicious work or school lunches. Add a small side salad to balance the dish and boost nutritional value. Ensure containers are leak-proof for easy transportation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Calories: 681 kcal

Servings: 7

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake Shopping List

• Rotini Pasta: Twisty pasta that perfectly captures and holds creamy sauces, choosing bronze-cut varieties ensures better sauce adhesion.

• Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked meat adds substantial protein, best using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor depth.

• Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Rich, velvety base that creates luxurious coating, selecting high-quality jarred sauces or homemade versions elevates dish's overall taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully with stretchy, gooey texture, selecting whole milk variety provides richer flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones, freshly grated delivers more intense taste compared to pre-packaged options.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, using freshly ground black pepper creates more vibrant taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, herbal freshness and visual appeal, chopping finely ensures even distribution.

Kitchen Prep for Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining pasta, chicken, and sauces with ease.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for evenly spreading and baking the pasta mixture.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps cover the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding fresh mozzarella and Parmesan if using block cheese.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning sauces and pasta water.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: Used for greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing chicken and chopping optional parsley garnish.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients thoroughly and spreading in the dish.

Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Perfectly seasoned Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake showcases comfort classics with Italian-inspired flair. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and al dente pasta combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 1 lb (454 g) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 (15 oz/425 g) jars alfredo sauce
• 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and chicken, then generously coat with Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, gently stirring to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for moisture.
4. Assembly: Transfer the saucy mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an uniform layer. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious cheese blanket.
5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. For a crispy finish, remove foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
6. Finishing: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and temperature to normalize. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.
7. Serving: Slice into generous portions and serve immediately, presenting a comforting, cheesy culinary delight.

Notes

• Prevent Dish Sticking: Lightly coat baking dish with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Sauce Distribution Tip: Drizzle sauces evenly over pasta and chicken, gently folding to coat every ingredient thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Moisture Management: Add reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry, creating a creamy, luscious texture that keeps the dish from becoming too dense.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Use broiler for final 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 681
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1114 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg