Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe Worth Savoring

Comfort wrapped in a cheesy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake promises pure culinary magic tonight.

My kitchen always lights up when this dish starts simmering.

Weeknight meals need serious flavor without complicated steps.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a creamy masterpiece that feels like a warm hug.

Parmesan’s sharp notes dance alongside rich, garlicky undertones, making each bite absolutely irresistible.

Simple ingredients combine to craft something extraordinary that everyone around the table will crave.

Let me show you how effortlessly delicious home cooking can be.

Ingredients For Chicken Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Soft, comforting base for the dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy white cheese.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty Italian cheese.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce with rich flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Zesty and bold sauce.

• Salt: Simple seasoning for balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Mild spice that adds warmth.
• Parsley: Fresh green herb for garnish.

• Cooking Spray, Butter: For greasing baking dish.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during baking.

Steps To Make Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or a gentle butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create a Flavor Explosion

• Cooked pasta
• Tender chicken pieces
• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Zesty garlic parmesan sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

If the mixture looks a bit dry, splash in some pasta water to keep things smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Dish It Out

Spread the incredible pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed like a delicious blanket.

Step 4: Cheese Crown

Shower the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

This is where the magic happens!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Let it bubble and blend for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty masterpiece.

Step 6: Golden Finish

For those who love a crispy top, remove the foil and switch to broil.

Watch carefully for 2-3 minutes until the surface turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Give the pasta bake a quick 5-minute breather.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Tips For Parmesan Chicken Pasta

• Save some starchy pasta water before draining to help create a silky, perfectly textured sauce that clings beautifully to each pasta piece.
• Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in moisture, ensuring your chicken pasta bake stays creamy and doesn't dry out during baking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like adding sharp cheddar or gruyere to enhance the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
• Replace chicken with cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or plant-based protein for a versatile dish that adapts to different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Watch carefully during broiling and keep the oven door slightly open to prevent burning while achieving that perfect golden-brown cheese crust.

Store And Reheat Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• For quick reheating, use microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
• Before reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water or extra Alfredo sauce to prevent pasta from becoming dry and maintain creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas For Pasta Bake

• Pair Tangy White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy garlic parmesan flavors, cutting through the cheese's heaviness and refreshing the palate.
• Serve Herbal Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, adding bright acidity and providing a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Match Garlic Bread Sidekick: Prepare crusty garlic bread to enhance the garlic notes in the pasta, offering a crunchy texture that perfectly absorbs the creamy sauce and adds extra indulgence.
• Select Chilled Sparkling Water: Opt for a sparkling water with lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between bites, cutting through the dish's richness and providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Chicken Pasta Bake Spin-Offs

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free Alfredo sauce. Ensure all ingredients, including cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with plant-based mozzarella and Parmesan substitutes. Use cashew or coconut cream-based Alfredo sauce for a creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use a lower-carb Alfredo sauce and add extra protein like grilled chicken or shredded turkey.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with roasted vegetable medley like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Add plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas for extra nutrition.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the sauce well and create better texture in the baked dish.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves time and adds extra richness to the pasta bake.

• Is it necessary to use both Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauce?

While both sauces enhance the flavor, you can use just one if preferred. The key is maintaining a creamy, well-seasoned base for the pasta.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to the pasta mixture to boost nutrition and add more color and texture to the dish.

Why Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is A Favorite

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers ultimate satisfaction with rich, cheesy flavors that bring everyone together around the dinner table.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Taste: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Weeknight Dish: Easily adaptable with leftover chicken or different cheese varieties, transforming into a flexible dinner solution that works for multiple palates and dietary preferences.
• One-Dish Meal Magic: Combines protein, pasta, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and providing a complete, nutritious meal that's both convenient and delectable.

Melty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers comfort and flavor in one irresistible dish, blending creamy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Cheese-lovers and pasta enthusiasts will savor this simple yet satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) jars Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Cooking Liquid:

• 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
3. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the dish.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the cooked pasta with chicken, creating a harmonious mixture.
5. Pour Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces over the pasta and chicken, stirring gently to coat every morsel evenly.
6. Incorporate half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the mixture, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
7. If the mixture appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
8. Transfer the saucy pasta blend into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure even cooking.
9. Generously scatter the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a tempting cheese layer.
10. Encase the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
11. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
12. Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness before serving warm.

Notes

• Make the dish lighter by using low-fat Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheeses for a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for a versatile vegetarian or seafood alternative that keeps the creamy texture intact.
• Create a gluten-free option by using gluten-free pasta and checking that all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance meal prep by assembling the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerating, then baking directly from the cold state – just add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for perfect results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 130mg