Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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)

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe. This creamy, flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and delicious. With a combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, this bake is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

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

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

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!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Suggestions: Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake alongside a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.

Portion Control: While it’s tempting to indulge in this delicious dish, remember to practice portion control to ensure everyone gets a fair share. Use a spatula or serving spoon to portion out servings evenly.

Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or place the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Freezing: This pasta bake can also be frozen for longer storage. Transfer individual portions or the entire dish to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating following the same instructions as above.

Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add in extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for a boost of nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses or substitute the chicken with cooked sausage or shrimp for variety.

Related recipes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Shrimp

FAQs:

Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for rotini pasta, you can easily swap it out for your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta variety.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply follow the recipe up to the point of transferring the mixture to the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, sprinkle with cheese, and bake according to the recipe instructions. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the dish is heated through.

What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?

If you prefer a vegetarian version of this dish, you can omit the chicken altogether or substitute it with cooked and diced vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Alternatively, you can add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shrimp for a different protein option.

Can I Freeze Leftover Pasta Bake?

Yes, you can freeze the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake for longer storage. Once the dish has cooled completely, portion it into individual servings or transfer the entire dish to freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some room for expansion if using containers. Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

With its creamy texture and irresistible flavor, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a cozy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

📖 Recipe: