Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Lunch or Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. It features tender rotini pasta, cooked chicken, rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, and a blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser for family meals or gatherings.


Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

  • 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup pasta water)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

For the Sauces and Cheese

  • 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set the pasta aside.
  3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, diced or shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Mix and Adjust Sauce: Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Add up to ½ cup of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the mixture and ensure it's saucy enough for the casserole.
  5. Assemble Casserole: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
  7. Optional Broil: For a golden-brown crust, remove the foil and place the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest covered for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired before serving warm.

Notes

  • You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • If you don’t have garlic Parmesan sauce, mix minced garlic with additional grated Parmesan and a little cream or milk.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully – it helps loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
  • For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • Make sure to watch the casserole closely if broiling to prevent burning.