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I created this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake during a cozy Sunday when my family craved something warm and cheesy. It's pure comfort in a dish all those creamy layers tender chicken and pasta wrapped in garlic parmesan goodness. Now it's our go to when we need something that feels like a hug in a casserole dish.
Pure Comfort Magic
Think creamy Alfredo sauce meets garlic parmesan heaven plus perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken. Everything comes together in one dish makes cleanup so simple. Works great with leftover chicken too making it perfect for busy nights.
Shopping List Must Haves
- Rotini Pasta: One pound those spirals catch all the sauce.
- Chicken: Three cups diced or shredded whatever you like.
- Alfredo Sauce: Two 15 ounce jars for maximum creaminess.
- Garlic Parmesan Sauce: One cup adds so much flavor.
- Mozzarella: Two cups gets all melty and perfect.
- Parmesan: Half cup freshly grated is best.
- Seasonings: Salt pepper keep it simple.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds nice color.
Let's Make Magic
- Get Started
- Heat oven to 375° cook pasta save some of that starchy water.
- Prep Your Chicken
- Cut or shred into bite size pieces.
- Mix It Up
- Combine pasta chicken sauces most of the cheese add pasta water until silky.
- Into The Pan
- Pour everything into your baking dish top with remaining cheese.
- Bake To Perfection
- Cover and bake 25 minutes then broil for that golden top.
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Perfect Partners
Serve with a crisp salad or some steamed veggies keeps things balanced. Add garlic bread for scooping up sauce. Love wine? A glass of Chardonnay makes everything extra special.
Switch It Up
Try different pasta shapes or swap chicken for shrimp. Going veggie? Roasted zucchini and peppers work beautifully. Like heat? Add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage makes it yours.
Keep It Fresh
Stays good 3 days in the fridge. Warm it up covered at 350° add a splash of water keeps it creamy. Freezes great too just thaw overnight when ready to enjoy.
Quick Answers
Make ahead? Absolutely just pop in the fridge overnight. Different cheese? Try Gouda or Fontina for fun flavor. Freezer friendly? You bet cool portion freeze up to 2 months.
Good For You Too
Gets you through the day with protein from chicken energy from pasta. Those cheeses add calcium and good fats. It's comfort food that actually fills you up right.
My Best Tips
Save that pasta water makes everything silky smooth. Taste your sauce mixture before baking. Fresh Parmesan makes such a difference. Quick broil at the end creates that irresistible top.
Why We Love It
This dish never fails to please easy enough for weeknights special enough for company. Leftovers heat up beautifully perfect for busy weeks.
More Than Just Dinner
Some recipes become part of your family story. This one brings everyone to the table fills the kitchen with the best smells creates those moments we all treasure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add extra time when baking from cold.
- → What can I use instead of rotini?
- Any medium pasta shape works well, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose shapes that hold sauce well.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
- Yes, rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just dice or shred it before using.
- → Why save pasta water?
- Starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce if needed while adding creaminess and helping sauce cling to pasta.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking. Cream sauce may separate slightly.