Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers pure comfort on a plate, promising a delightful culinary experience that changes simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Rich and indulgent, this dish combines tender chicken with velvety sauce in a way that speaks directly to your soul.

garlic aromatic essence weaves through each layer, creating depth and complexity that elevates the entire meal.

parmesan cheese adds a nutty, sharp undertone that perfectly complements the mellow chicken and smooth pasta.

The baked element introduces a golden, crispy top that provides delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe represents the ultimate one-dish wonder that feeds both body and spirit.

Home cooks and food lovers alike will find themselves drawn to its irresistible charm.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Everyone Craves

  • Savor Cheesy Comfort: This pasta bake delivers ultimate comfort food with layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a rich, indulgent experience that hugs your taste buds with creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Quick and Hassle-Free Cooking: Requiring minimal prep and just 30 minutes from start to finish, this one-dish wonder simplifies meal preparation for busy home cooks, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible options like adjusting sauce consistency, adding extra pasta water, or broiling for a golden top, allowing home chefs to personalize the dish according to their preferences and ingredient availability.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combining familiar ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese, this bake appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal meal that satisfies diverse palates and brings everyone together at the dinner table.

What Goes Into Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken: Tender and protein-packed main ingredient, preferably cooked and diced or shredded for easy mixing.
  • Rotini Pasta: Classic pasta shape with ridges that hold sauce perfectly, provides hearty base for the casserole.
Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and rich cheese combination that creates golden melty topping and adds deep savory flavor.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy sauces that provide luxurious texture and intense garlic-cheese flavor.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional bright green garnish that adds fresh herbal note and visual appeal.

How to Pull Off a Perfect Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or gently rub with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Creamy Goodness

In a large mixing bowl, combine your ingredients:
  • Cooked pasta
  • Diced or shredded chicken
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Garlic Parmesan sauce
  • Half of the mozzarella cheese
  • Half of the Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Give everything a thorough mix. Want extra sauciness? Splash in about 1/2 cup of pasta water and stir well.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets the same delicious treatment.

Step 4: Create a Cheesy Blanket

Shower the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. This will create a mouthwatering cheese layer that’s sure to make everyone drool.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 6: Add a Golden Touch

Want extra pizzazz? Remove the foil in the last few minutes and switch to broil. Watch carefully for 2-3 minutes to get a gorgeous golden top without burning.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the pasta bake to cool for about 5 minutes. Feeling fancy? Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top. Slice into generous portions and serve while it’s warm and inviting.

Pro Tips:
  • Use rotisserie chicken for an even easier prep
  • Fresh garlic takes the flavor to the next level
  • Leftover pasta bake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy!

Smart Tips for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Success

  • Sauce Consistency Hack: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture that coats every pasta piece perfectly.
  • Cheese Layer Trick: Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for better melting and a more luxurious, smooth cheese topping.
  • Flavor Boosting Technique: Sauté minced garlic in butter before mixing into the sauce to enhance the overall depth and richness of the dish's flavor profile.
  • Prevent Dryness Tip: Cover the baking dish with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out or becoming tough.
  • Golden Crust Secret: Watch carefully during the broiling stage, keeping the dish about 4-6 inches from the broiler to achieve a perfectly golden and crispy cheese topping without burning.

Save and Reheat Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Like a Pro

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat in Oven: Restore the dish's crispy top by preheating the oven to 350°F. Cover the pasta with foil to prevent drying, then warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese layer.
  • Microwave Option: For quick reheating, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or pasta water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta reaches steaming temperature.

What to Eat with Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the dish's heaviness, refreshing your palate with each bite.
  • Serve with Fresh Salad: Balance the indulgent pasta by adding a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The bright, acidic flavors will contrast beautifully with the creamy chicken pasta.
  • Add Garlic Bread Sidekick: Enhance the meal with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The crispy, herb-infused bread provides a perfect textural companion to the soft, cheesy pasta bake.
  • Finish with Light Dessert: Round out the meal with a refreshing lemon sorbet or light panna cotta. These clean, subtle desserts will cleanse your palate after the rich, creamy main course.

Twists You Can Try with This Chicken Pasta Classic

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken for tender grilled shrimp and mix in sun-dried tomatoes, adding crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Veggie Lover's Dream: Replace chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach, creating a hearty vegetarian pasta bake packed with nutrients.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and add blackened chicken seasoning for a bold, spicy southwestern flavor profile that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe.
  • Bacon Bleu Cheese Blast: Crisp up bacon pieces, sprinkle throughout the dish, and swap Parmesan for crumbled bleu cheese to deliver a rich, tangy alternative that elevates the comfort food experience.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort and elegance in one irresistible dish. Pasta lovers will savor rich flavors blending tender chicken, silky sauce, and golden parmesan crust that make this meal a true family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
  • 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) jars Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce

Cheese and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine fully cooked pasta and tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious base for the dish.
  3. Drizzle Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces over the pasta and chicken, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with creamy goodness.
  4. Fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. If the consistency seems dry, incorporate a splash of reserved pasta water to enhance moisture.
  6. Carefully transfer the saucy pasta and chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer to promote uniform heating.
  7. Lavishly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating an enticing blanket of melty goodness.
  8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
  9. For an extra crispy finish, remove the foil during the final moments of baking and activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle and the temperature to become more manageable.
  11. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
  12. Slice into generous portions and serve immediately, inviting everyone to indulge in this comforting, cheesy creation.

Notes

  • Cooking pro tip: Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and ensure a creamy, silky texture throughout the dish.
  • Customize the recipe by experimenting with different cheese blends or adding roasted vegetables for extra depth and nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 1250mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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