Quick Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Combining creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Cheesy layers meld with tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that spark joy.

Home cooks appreciate meals blending familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean herbs and rich parmesan create magical depth in this classic dish.

Crispy golden edges promise a delightful crunch with every forkful.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Is a Comfort Food Hit

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A delightful one-pan meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its creamy, cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Requires basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want to prepare a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows flexible ingredient swaps like different proteins, cheese varieties, or adding vegetables to match personal taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Meal Prep Champion: Perfect for preparing ahead, storing, and reheating, making it an ideal solution for busy families, weeknight dinners, or preparing meals in advance for convenient eating.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Provides the main protein source for a hearty and satisfying meal.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundation of the dish, creating a comforting and filling base.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and deep savory flavor to the pasta bake.

• Alfredo Sauce: Contributes a creamy and smooth base for the pasta dish.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Enhances the overall flavor with a bold and aromatic garlic profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and elevate the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the baked pasta.

• Cooking Spray, Butter: Ensures the pasta doesn't stick to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and retain moisture during baking.

• Pasta Water: Can be used to adjust the sauce consistency if desired.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep things from sticking.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Cooked pasta
• Diced or shredded chicken
• Alfredo sauce
• Garlic parmesan sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Half of the Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Want extra sauciness? Splash in some reserved pasta water.

Step 3: Spread The Love

Pour the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it out evenly so every bite is perfectly delicious.

Step 4: Cheese Shower

Generously rain down the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese all over the top of the pasta. More cheese means more happiness!

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a melty, bubbly wonderland.

Step 6: Golden Crispy Finish

Want an extra touch of magic? Remove the foil and pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to get that gorgeous golden-brown top without burning.

Step 7: Rest And Garnish

Pull the pasta bake out of the oven and let it chill for 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Step 8: Dig In

Serve this creamy, cheesy masterpiece while it’s warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up with joy!

Helpful Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that keeps the creamy, cheesy flavors intact.
• Reduce sauce thickness by adding extra pasta water to prevent dryness and ensure a perfectly creamy texture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to cut down on day-of cooking stress and create a quick weeknight meal.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making meal planning a breeze for busy families.
• Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick that elevates the classic dish.

Creative Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace Alfredo sauce with chipotle cream sauce, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap chicken with grilled lamb, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, use feta cheese, and sprinkle with fresh oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Seafood Lover's Version: Substitute chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat, incorporate white wine into the sauce, and use a blend of gruyere and parmesan cheeses for a rich seafood experience.
• Vegetarian Garden Harvest: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, use a vegetable broth-based sauce, and top with nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy pasta and cut through its cheesy texture, balancing the dish's heavy flavors.
• Create Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, crisp contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta bake, adding brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside the pasta to enhance the garlic notes, soak up extra sauce, and provide a delightful crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy dish.

Storage Advice for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place pasta in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal because they hold sauce well and create better texture in the baked dish.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that saves time and adds extra moisture to the pasta bake.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and opt for a lighter Alfredo sauce or Greek yogurt as a substitute to reduce calories.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 3 cups (450 grams) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) jars Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) garlic parmesan sauce

Cheese:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary canvas by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a non-stick spray or butter to ensure effortless serving.
2. Craft the pasta symphony by blending cooked pasta, tender chicken pieces, velvety Alfredo sauce, aromatic garlic parmesan sauce, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses in a spacious mixing bowl. Enhance the flavor profile with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper, and optionally introduce a splash of reserved pasta water for added moisture.
3. Orchestrate the dish by gently transferring the creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution that promises a harmonious bite in every spoonful.
4. Crown the creation by lavishly scattering the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, creating a tantalizing blanket of dairy decadence.
5. Transform the dish in the preheated oven, initially covering with aluminum foil and baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling masterpiece.
6. For those seeking a golden-brown finale, carefully remove the foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, vigilantly monitoring to prevent any unwelcome charring.
7. Allow the pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and settle, and optionally adorn with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of verdant elegance.
8. Serve the dish while warm, inviting diners to indulge in this comforting, cheese-laden culinary embrace.

Notes

• Make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that all sauces are gluten-free certified.
• Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture.
• Control the sauce’s consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, ensuring the dish doesn’t become too dry or watery.
• Use fresh garlic and grate Parmesan cheese directly for a more intense, authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 529 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 741 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg