Looking for a hearty and comforting dish to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe. Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and cozy. Let’s dive into how to make this irresistible meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of cooking water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15 ounce) jars 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)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. If you prefer extra sauciness, add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to the mixture.
- Transfer the creamy pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: For a golden brown top, remove the foil and broil the pasta bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve warm and enjoy the creamy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 421 kcal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
Variations:
- Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add a variety of roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to the pasta bake. Simply toss the veggies with the pasta and sauces before baking for a colorful and nutritious dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a touch of heat by incorporating diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the pasta mixture. You can also drizzle some sriracha sauce over the top before serving for an extra kick of flavor.
- Mediterranean Twist: Give the dish a Mediterranean flair by mixing in chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts. Sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top before baking for a tangy and savory twist.
- Pesto Paradise: Substitute the garlic parmesan sauce with basil pesto for a fresh and vibrant flavor. Mix the pesto with the Alfredo sauce and pasta before adding the chicken and cheeses. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an aromatic touch.
- Protein Power: Switch up the protein by using cooked shrimp, diced ham, or crumbled cooked sausage instead of chicken. Customize the dish according to your preference or whatever protein you have on hand for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Family Dinner: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect for serving as a hearty family dinner. Pair it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
- Dinner Party Delight: Impress your guests by serving this creamy pasta bake at your next dinner party. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be baked right before serving, allowing you to spend more time with your guests.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch of this pasta bake ahead of time for easy meal prep throughout the week. Simply divide it into individual portions and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Friendly: This pasta bake also freezes well, making it a convenient option for busy days. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in the oven until heated through.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat individual portions, place them in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed to your liking.
- Garnish Before Serving: For a fresh and vibrant touch, garnish the pasta bake with chopped parsley just before serving. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also adds a hint of freshness to each bite.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste preferences. Add extra cheese, spices, or vegetables to suit your liking and make it your own signature dish.
- Serve Warm: This pasta bake is best served warm, straight from the oven. The cheese will be gooey and the flavors will be at their peak. Be sure to let it cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
FAQs:
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! Using store-bought Alfredo sauce is a convenient option for this recipe. However, if you prefer homemade sauce, feel free to use your favorite recipe instead.
- Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Certainly! This recipe is versatile, and you can substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, diced ham, or even crumbled cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
- What if I don’t have garlic parmesan sauce? If you don’t have garlic parmesan sauce on hand, you can either make your own by combining minced garlic with grated Parmesan cheese and cream, or you can use additional Alfredo sauce and add extra minced garlic for a similar flavor.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or larger portions in the oven until heated through.
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s the perfect dish to indulge in after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite of this delicious pasta bake!
