Description
This comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender rotini pasta and juicy cooked chicken with creamy Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and optionally broiled for a golden cheese crust, this hearty casserole is perfect for a delicious family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Sauces
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, diced or shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water if you want a saucier mixture, then mix everything thoroughly.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese followed by the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and the casserole is heated through and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For a golden, crispy cheese topping, remove the foil and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
Notes
- Reserve pasta cooking water as it helps to loosen the casserole if it seems too thick.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to reduce preparation time; rotisserie chicken works well.
- Covering with foil during baking prevents the cheese from over-browning too quickly.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a golden, crispy top.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
