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