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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mixing: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and chicken, then generously coat with Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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