Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory chicken, this dish delivers pure culinary magic.

Golden-brown edges and bubbling cheese create an instant appetite appeal that makes mouths water.

Every forkful blends tender pasta with seasoned chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce that screams home-cooked deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners transform into something special when you serve this crowd-pleasing meal.

Loaded with flavor and easy to prepare, this pasta bake brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table.

One bite and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 585 kcal

Servings: 7

Tools for Boiling, Baking, and Topping This Pasta Dish

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining pasta, chicken, and sauces.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful if grating fresh Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly.
• Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 375°F and grab a large baking dish ready for deliciousness.

• Pasta Fusion

Combine tender pasta with succulent chicken, creating a creamy dream with Alfredo and garlic Parmesan sauces. Sprinkle in some mozzarella and Parmesan magic, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Moisture Balance

If the mixture seems dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to keep things silky smooth. Transfer this heavenly mixture into the waiting baking dish.

• Cheese Blanket

Lavish the top with remaining cheese, creating a golden, irresistible layer that promises crispy deliciousness.

• Baking Transformation

Cover the dish with foil and let the oven work its magic for 20-25 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mingle.

• Golden Finish

Uncover and broil for a quick 2-3 minutes, watching carefully as the top turns into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece.

• Serving Celebration

Let the dish rest for a moment, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Make It Extra Cheesy: Tips for Pasta Bake

• Smart Twists for Your Cheesy Chicken Delight
• Replace chicken with crispy bacon bits, tender shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like grilled tofu for exciting flavor transformations.
• Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to add nutrition and vibrant colors that make the dish pop.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, creamy fontina, or smoky gouda to create unique flavor profiles.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of Italian seasoning, or mix in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor kick that elevates the entire dish.

Serving Up Pasta Bake That’s Warm and Comforting

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this cheesy pasta bake alongside a crisp garden salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add fresh crunch.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Pair with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Green Goodness Boost: Sprinkle some roasted or steamed broccoli florets on top or around the pasta to introduce extra nutrition and a vibrant color contrast to the golden cheesy dish.
• Wine Companion Pick: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy texture and cuts through the richness of the cheesy chicken pasta bake.

How to Prep and Store for Weeknight Dinners Ahead

• Advance Prep Magic: Assemble the entire chicken pasta dish up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate, which allows flavors to blend beautifully and saves precious cooking time.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Package cooled leftovers in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Keeps perfectly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently in microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain creamy texture.
• Portion Control Trick: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Each portion reheats wonderfully and provides a delicious midday meal within minutes.
• Ingredient Swap Strategy: Replace chicken with rotisserie meat or swap pasta types based on what's available in your kitchen. Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options work equally well without compromising taste or texture.

Ingredients to Assemble Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta Bake

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that catches sauce perfectly, creating delightful pockets of flavor in every bite. Choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for best texture and authentic Italian taste.
• Chicken: Protein-packed base that transforms this dish into a hearty meal. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or freshly cooked chicken breasts for maximum tenderness.

• Alfredo Sauce, Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Luxurious, velvety sauces that provide rich, creamy depth and bold garlic notes. Select premium jarred sauces or prepare homemade for extra authenticity.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind sauce and pasta, creating smooth, silky consistency. Reserve before draining pasta for perfect sauce texture.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty mozzarella creates irresistible stretchy texture while aged Parmesan adds sharp, nutty undertones. Select freshly grated cheeses for most intense flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste profile. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aromatic impact.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds visual appeal and fresh flavor contrast. Chop finely just before serving for maximum vibrancy.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Garlic parmesan chicken pasta bake combines creamy textures with bold Italian flavors in one comforting dish. Cheese-covered pasta and tender chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies your deepest comfort cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and cut into pieces or shredded
• 1 lb (454 g) rotini pasta, cooked and drained
• 2 jars (15 oz/425 g each) alfredo sauce
• 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup (118 ml) pasta cooking water (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mixing: In a large bowl, blend fully cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water to create a smooth consistency.
3. Assembly: Transfer the pasta-chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with remaining cheese, creating a complete coverage.
4. Initial Baking: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until thoroughly heated and cheese begins to melt.
5. Finishing: Remove foil, switch oven to broil, and position dish 4-5 inches from heat source. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden and develops a crispy texture.
6. Serving: Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and cheese set. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, ensuring each portion has abundant cheese and chicken.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Moisture: Add reserved pasta water gradually to prevent a dry casserole, ensuring a creamy, smooth texture throughout the dish.
• Prevent Cheese Burning: Cover with foil during initial baking to protect the cheese from excessive browning and achieve perfect melting consistency.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting the mixture before baking to balance the overall flavor profile.
• Achieve Perfect Broil: Watch closely during the final 2-3 minutes of broiling to create a golden, crispy cheese topping without burning.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg