Description
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)
Instructions
- 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!
Notes
- 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.
