Indulge your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This mouthwatering dish combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 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 and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, ensuring even coverage.
- Mix Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced or shredded chicken. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and garlic Parmesan sauce, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. If you prefer extra sauciness, add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to the mixture and stir well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Once the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture, creating a tantalizing cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, enveloping the dish in irresistible aromas.
- Optional Golden Finish: For an extra touch of golden perfection, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking and broil the pasta bake for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can be quite intense.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the pasta bake is done baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Then, slice into generous portions and serve warm, allowing everyone to savor the creamy goodness.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 421 kcal
With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and satisfying ingredients, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a culinary masterpiece that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to devour. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable dining experience. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with comfort and flavor. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!