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
- 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.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine fully cooked pasta and tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious base for the dish.
- Drizzle Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces over the pasta and chicken, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with creamy goodness.
- Fold in half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Carefully transfer the saucy pasta and chicken blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer to promote uniform heating.
- Lavishly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating an enticing blanket of melty goodness.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
- 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