If you are craving a soul-soothing, rich dinner that combines the best of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky flavors, then this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an absolute showstopper with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and layers of luscious Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces all baked to bubbling, golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this warm, satisfying pasta bake turns simple ingredients into a feast that’s cozy, comforting, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the flavors here, because the ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing its own role in making this dish shine. From the simple pasta to the creamy sauces and the melty cheese, every item adds texture, depth, or the perfect balance of richness and freshness.
- Rotini pasta: The spiral shape holds onto the sauce beautifully ensuring every bite is soaked with flavor.
- Cooked chicken (diced or shredded): Adds lean protein and a tender, juicy bite to contrast the creamy sauce.
- Alfredo sauce (2 jars, 15 oz each): Creates the silky, buttery base that makes the dish ultra-creamy.
- Garlic Parmesan sauce: Boosts flavor with extra richness and that perfect garlicky kick.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy layer that’s irresistible on top and throughout.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty edge that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten notes and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A touch of herbal freshness and vibrant color that lifts the dish visually and on the palate.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. While the oven warms, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your rotini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—just firm to the bite. Don’t forget to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain; it’s a secret helper to loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Combine the Flavors
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of both your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and if the mixture clings too tightly, stir in about half a cup of the reserved pasta water for that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Spread your luscious pasta mixture evenly into the greased baking dish; this is where all the flavors will meld. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, creating a glorious cheesy crust. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce bubbles invitingly around the edges.
Step 4: Finish with a Golden Touch
For that signature golden, slightly crispy finish, remove the foil and broil the bake for 2 to 3 minutes while keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Once beautifully golden and bubbly, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for five minutes—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the classic finishing touch for the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness without detracting from the indulgence of the dish. Feel free to add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like living on the flavorful edge!
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta or roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious and colorful contrast. Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread alongside are also excellent for soaking up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil each portion separately for a personal golden crust. Alternatively, layer the pasta bake with sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before baking for extra flavor bursts and visual appeal. The Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is versatile enough to make your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta bake keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the creamy texture and keep the chicken moist. When ready to enjoy again, you’ll find the flavors even more melded and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for up to 2 months. To do this, assemble the pasta in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake it first. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When thawed overnight in the fridge, bake as directed, adding a bit of extra time if needed.
Reheating
For reheating, the oven is best to keep that lovely baked texture intact. Heat the leftovers at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer microwave convenience, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring gently in between to avoid drying out the cheese and chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even shells would work beautifully in the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before baking.
What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?
You can quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs by pan-searing or baking before shredding or dicing. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut that adds plenty of flavor with minimal effort.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add mushrooms or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version that still delivers rich, creamy goodness.
Can I prepare this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit challenging since cheese and Alfredo sauce are key players here, but you can substitute with dairy-free Alfredo sauces and vegan cheeses. The taste and texture will be different but still quite tasty!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture or sprinkle some on top before baking for a subtle kick. You could also mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce right into the Alfredo for extra heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfyingly indulgent about the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe — it’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside and brings smiles to everyone around the table. Once you make this dish, it’s going to be on your regular rotation because of its incredible ease, fantastic flavor, and warm comfort. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into cheesy, garlicky goodness that feels like a big culinary hug.
Print
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich, comforting dish perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender rotini pasta tossed with tender cooked chicken, creamy Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this baked pasta casserole is both hearty and indulgent. It’s easy to prepare, combining cooked ingredients with simple seasoning before baking to golden, bubbly perfection. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and color.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, then drain the pasta well.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded 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. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Broil for crispiness: Remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese turns golden brown and crispy on top.
- Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente ensures it won’t become mushy during baking.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- You can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the sauce mixture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and melt quality.
