Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

When it comes to ultimate comfort food, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake checks every box. It’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and incredibly satisfying — everything you want from a cozy casserole. Plus, it’s unbelievably easy to pull together, making it a true hero for busy weeknights. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals ahead of time, this pasta bake brings all the deliciousness with none of the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly Delicious: With minimal prep and a few pantry-friendly ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour, start to finish.
• Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The combination of Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistibly rich and creamy texture.
• Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so it’s great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this cheesy pasta bake. It’s mild, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake, plus a few notes to make the most of each ingredient:

• Rotini Pasta: Holds onto all that creamy sauce beautifully. You can also use penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta.
• Cooked Chicken: Diced or shredded. Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds extra flavor.
• Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade — this adds the creamy backbone of the bake.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Adds an extra layer of bold, savory garlic flavor. Don’t skip it!
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts like a dream and makes the top irresistibly gooey.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and a golden topping.
• Salt & Pepper: Just enough to enhance all the flavors. Taste and adjust as needed.
• Fresh Parsley: Totally optional, but it adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
• Pasta Cooking Water: Reserved to loosen up the sauce if needed — this starchy water helps bind everything together.

Variations

This pasta bake is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Swap the Chicken: Use turkey, sausage, or even leftover ham if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
• Make It Lighter: Use a light Alfredo sauce and part-skim cheese to cut down on the richness while keeping the flavor.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil rotini pasta until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. If it looks too thick, stir in a bit of that reserved pasta water.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.

Step 6: Optional Broil

If you like a golden, bubbly top, remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish

Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Pasta Water Wisely: Don’t forget to save that pasta water! It helps make the sauce silky and cohesive.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep it covered while baking to prevent the pasta from drying out. Only broil briefly at the end.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken Saves Time: Rotisserie chicken or meal-prepped chicken makes this recipe incredibly fast.
• Let It Rest: Give the bake a few minutes to settle after coming out of the oven for easier serving and better texture.

How to Serve

This pasta bake is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal:

Pair with:

• Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is always a good thing.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp, fresh side to balance the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus all pair beautifully.

Garnish Ideas:

• Chopped parsley
• A drizzle of garlic oil
• Extra grated Parmesan

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better overnight!

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then cover tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil. Add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, ziti, or fusilli all work wonderfully. Just stick to short pasta shapes that hold the sauce well.

Is homemade Alfredo sauce better?
If you’ve got time, homemade Alfredo sauce is fantastic. But honestly, a good-quality jarred sauce works beautifully here and saves time.

Can I make this recipe without garlic Parmesan sauce?
You can, but the garlic Parmesan sauce adds an extra layer of flavor. If omitting, add a few cloves of roasted or minced garlic to your Alfredo sauce to keep that garlicky richness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and downright delicious, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the answer. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want an easy weeknight meal with leftovers, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Go ahead, make it tonight — you’re going to love it.

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