Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty pasta bake, especially when it’s packed with flavors like garlic, Parmesan, and chicken. The Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake quickly became a family favorite in our house. I remember the first time I made it—the smell of melted cheese, garlic, and creamy Alfredo sauce wafting through the kitchen made my mouth water. When I served it, everyone loved the combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rotini, and that rich, cheesy topping. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and satisfied after a long day, and it’s definitely one of those dishes that everyone comes back for seconds. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this pasta bake never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 jars (15 oz each) 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

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare it for the pasta bake.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   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. If you prefer a creamier consistency, gradually add up to ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and stir until the mixture reaches your desired texture.
3. Assemble the Dish:
   Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure all the ingredients are well-distributed. Top the dish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should be melted, and the dish should be bubbly.
5. Broil:
   For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn. The top should be golden and slightly crispy.
6. Serve:
   Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per Serving: 550
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 1,150mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 30g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (including baking and broiling)
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish:
  Serve this hearty pasta bake as a main course with a simple side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• With a Side of Vegetables:
  This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots to balance out the richness.
• For Meal Prep:
  This pasta bake is perfect for meal prepping! Portion it into individual servings and store in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead:
   This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge before baking. Just cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Customize the Chicken:
   Use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts for even quicker prep time. You can also season the chicken with garlic, paprika, or Italian seasoning for added flavor.
3. Use Fresh Garlic:
   While garlic Parmesan sauce works wonders, fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter can add an extra layer of depth to the flavor. Just sauté 1-2 cloves of garlic in butter before adding it to the sauce.
4. Add Veggies:
   Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta bake for a little extra texture and flavor.
5. Cheese Varieties:
   For a different twist, you can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a smoky flavor, or try a mix of Parmesan and Asiago for an even richer taste.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version:
  Skip the chicken and load up on extra veggies, such as mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. This version is just as satisfying and full of flavor.
• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake:
  For a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. This adds a nice spicy kick that complements the garlic and Parmesan.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake:
  For a fun twist, substitute the Alfredo sauce with buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles to the pasta mixture for a spicy, tangy flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version:
  Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of the rotini pasta to create a lower-carb version of this pasta bake without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Crisp Salad:
  A refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta bake. You can add some cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra flavor.
• As a Potluck Dish:
  This pasta bake is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Make it in advance and just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
• With Garlic Bread:
  Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are an excellent side to mop up any extra sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing:
  This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is great for freezing. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.
• Refrigeration:
  Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes! While rotini works well, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli will work perfectly in this recipe.
2. Can I make this without chicken?
   Absolutely! This recipe is great for vegetarians, and you can add extra vegetables or just enjoy the cheesy pasta as is.
3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
   Yes, you can substitute the homemade garlic Parmesan sauce with an extra jar of Alfredo sauce if you’re in a pinch.
4. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   You can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to cook it first. Consider baking or grilling it before adding it to the pasta bake.
5. How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
   The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the top should be lightly golden. Broiling the top for a couple of minutes will help achieve a crispy, golden finish.
6. Can I prepare this pasta bake the night before?
   Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
7. Can I add more cheese to the top?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add more mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesier top.
8. What can I serve this pasta bake with?
   A light salad or roasted vegetables would balance the richness of the pasta bake. Garlic bread is also a classic side dish.
9. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
10. Can I freeze this pasta bake?
    Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect dish for a family dinner, potluck, or meal prep. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, thanks to the creamy Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan goodness, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or bringing it to a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. The best part is, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy!

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