Your Next Favorite Comfort Meal: Try the Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Photo bydaily easy recipes

When you're in the mood for something rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to whip up. Combining the savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Alfredo sauce, this meal brings together everything we love about comfort food in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or a cozy dinner at home, it's a meal that will leave everyone coming back for seconds.

This dish is the ultimate blend of tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, all smothered in layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked to perfection, with a golden, bubbly top, delivering that perfect bite of creamy pasta goodness. Best of all, it's easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleaser for a special occasion.

The combination of Alfredo and garlic-Parmesan sauces creates a deliciously creamy base that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. The mozzarella adds a melty, gooey texture, while the Parmesan brings a sharpness that balances the dish beautifully. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, for adjusting consistency)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving ½ cup of the pasta water.
3. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well mixed, adding the reserved pasta water if the mixture needs more moisture.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the pasta is heated through.
6. Broil for extra crispiness (optional): For a golden-brown crust, remove the foil and broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that's simple enough to make on a busy night but special enough for any occasion. The blend of creamy sauces, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, topped with gooey cheese, creates a meal that feels both indulgent and homey.

Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep, this pasta bake can easily be reheated and enjoyed as leftovers, although it’s so tasty it might not last long! Give this dish a try, and you'll quickly see why it's a go-to recipe for those who crave comfort food at its finest.

Here are some reliable sources for the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake recipe:

1. Bowl Me Over offers a comprehensive version of the dish, highlighting its rich, cheesy flavor and providing tips on freezing and reheating. You can check their recipe and helpful notes on storing and serving this pasta bake here​(Bowl Me Over).
2. Teatime with Naomi shares a detailed step-by-step guide for preparing the dish, including tips for baking, seasoning, and customizing the pasta bake. They also suggest pairing it with salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Explore their version here​(Tea Time with Naomi).
3. My Homemade Recipe provides insights into different cheese combinations and customizations for the recipe, such as adding spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. They also include helpful notes on reheating and making ahead of time. You can find more details here​(My Home Made Recipe).
4. Recipestasteful includes a variety of variations for the dish, such as adding buffalo sauce or mixing in vegetables like broccoli. They also offer vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary preferences. Check out their take on the recipe here​(recipestasteful).

These sources will give you great variations and detailed instructions to try at home!