Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape with ridges or curves works well—penne, farfalle, or shells are excellent alternatives. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to package directions and aim for that al dente texture.

I don't have garlic parmesan sauce. What can I substitute?

You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of cream or half-and-half with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and a tablespoon of butter. Heat gently until thickened. Alternatively, use additional Alfredo sauce and add extra minced garlic and Parmesan.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli. You could also include plant-based protein substitutes if desired.

My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

For too thick, add a splash more pasta water or milk until you reach desired consistency. If too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the mixture before baking, or simply reduce the amount of pasta water added.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water for casserole); 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded; 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce; 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional); 1/2 cup pasta water, optional (as needed for sauciness)

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your family table. With tender rotini pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses all wrapped in a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, this casserole comes together in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Comforting: There’s something magical about the combination of pasta, creamy sauce, and melted cheese that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist this dish! The familiar flavors are crowd-pleasers, making dinner time drama-free.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep this casserole ahead and pop it in the oven when needed—ideal for those hectic evenings when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
Versatile: This pasta bake is perfect as a standalone meal or pairs beautifully with simple sides for a more elaborate dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape traps all that creamy sauce in its crevices. Plus, its sturdy texture stands up well to baking without getting mushy.
Cooked Chicken: A fantastic way to use up leftover chicken! Rotisserie chicken works wonders here if you’re short on time.
Alfredo Sauce: The jarred variety saves precious minutes, but if you have time, homemade takes this dish to another level.
Garlic Parmesan Sauce: This provides that distinctive flavor that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that irresistible stretchy cheese pull that makes casseroles so satisfying.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty depth that cuts through the creaminess. Always go for freshly grated if possible!
Pasta Water: The secret ingredient that helps bind everything together while adding silkiness to the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into harmony.
Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, creamy elements.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Veggie-Loaded Version

Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or roasted red peppers before baking for added nutrition and color.

Protein Swap

Try using Italian sausage, turkey, or even seafood like shrimp instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Cheese Adventures

Experiment with different cheese combinations—fontina, provolone, or asiago all work beautifully in this dish.

Spice It Up

Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a few dashes of hot sauce to give it some heat.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook your rotini until it’s al dente—slightly firm, not mushy. Remember to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 3: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooked pasta, chicken, both sauces, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, then add about half a cup of pasta water if needed to make sure it’s nice and saucy.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Pour this glorious mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top to create that perfect golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly. For an extra-golden top, broil it for 2-3 minutes at the end—but watch carefully to avoid burning!

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Slightly Undercook the Pasta: Since it continues cooking in the oven, aim for firmer than al dente when boiling to prevent mushiness.
Layer for Maximum Impact: Instead of mixing all the cheese in, layering some in the middle and some on top creates pockets of melty goodness throughout.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing for more even cooking.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Those 5 minutes of resting time after baking are crucial for the sauce to set up properly.
Cheese Selection: Block cheese that you grate yourself melts much better than pre-shredded versions which contain anti-caking agents.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this rich pasta bake with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil to cut through the creaminess.

Bread Basics

Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf makes the perfect companion for soaking up any extra sauce.

Wine Suggestions

A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy garlic flavors beautifully for an adult dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together!

Freezing

Assemble the entire casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

Microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to revive the sauce, or reheat larger portions covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any medium-sized pasta shape with ridges or curves works well—penne, farfalle, or shells are excellent alternatives. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to package directions and aim for that al dente texture.
I don’t have garlic parmesan sauce. What can I substitute?

You can make your own by mixing 1 cup of cream or half-and-half with 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and a tablespoon of butter. Heat gently until thickened. Alternatively, use additional Alfredo sauce and add extra minced garlic and Parmesan.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted bell peppers, or steamed broccoli. You could also include plant-based protein substitutes if desired.
My sauce seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?

For too thick, add a splash more pasta water or milk until you reach desired consistency. If too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the mixture before baking, or simply reduce the amount of pasta water added.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake brings together all the comfort food elements we crave—creamy sauce, tender pasta, juicy chicken, and plenty of cheese—in one simple dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for Wednesday night chaos. Give it a try soon—your family will thank you!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and cheesy comfort food dish. Tender rotini pasta is generously tossed with juicy chicken, rich Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces, then baked to perfection with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a crowd-pleasing casserole, this easy pasta bake is sure to be a family favorite.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set both aside.
Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and black pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly combined. If the mixture seems dry, stir in about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, saucy consistency.
Assemble in Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula, spread it out evenly across the dish.
Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta mixture to create a delicious cheesy topping.
Bake Covered
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the pasta bake is hot and bubbly throughout.
Broil for Golden Top (Optional)
If you prefer a crisper, golden topping, remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Rest and Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it rest, covered with foil, for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken for convenience and taste.
You can substitute rotini pasta with penne or fusilli as desired.
Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust the salt and pepper based on the saltiness of the sauces and cheese used.
Garlic parmesan sauce can be found in most grocery stores near the pasta sauces.