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Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake! Perfectly cooked rotini pasta is tossed with tender chicken, rich Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces, and topped with a melty layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is a comforting dish that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, chicken Alfredo bake, easy pasta casserole, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced 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 well, adding about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water if you need extra sauciness.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect as a main dish for dinner, paired with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great for potlucks and gatherings.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave for individual portions.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For added nutrition, mix in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms with the pasta and chicken before baking.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy version of this dish.
- Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp or Italian sausage for a delicious twist on this classic casserole.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta bake up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the dish will be cold.
3. Can I freeze the pasta bake?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Assemble the dish and freeze it before baking, or freeze leftovers. To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
4. What can I use instead of garlic Parmesan sauce?
If you don’t have garlic Parmesan sauce, you can make your own by mixing Alfredo sauce with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese, or simply use extra Alfredo sauce with a bit more garlic.
5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
To keep the pasta bake moist and creamy, ensure you add enough sauce to coat the pasta well. You can also cover the dish with foil during baking to trap in moisture.
