If you’re in the mood for a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish that’s also incredibly easy to make, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is your answer. This dish brings together tender chicken, pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce that’s so flavorful, you might just make it your go-to meal for every weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or someone who loves trying out new recipes, this dish will be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make it and why it’s become such a favorite.
What is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that’s both rich and comforting, but surprisingly simple to make. The base is a creamy sauce made with garlic, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, which gives it that perfect balance of savory and cheesy. The pasta soaks up this sauce and becomes just the right amount of creamy. Add in tender, pan-seared chicken, and you have a meal that checks all the boxes—rich, flavorful, and satisfying.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Craving a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal? Look no further than the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and pasta, all baked to perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta (cooked and drained, reserve 1 cup of pasta water)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup pasta water (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water for later use.
Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, dice or shred your cooked chicken. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can quickly cook chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then dice or shred them.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Optional: Broil for a Golden Top
For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and provide a smoother, creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms into the mix for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Customize the Protein: Swap out chicken for turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based protein to suit your dietary preferences.
Tips for the Creamiest Garlic Parmesan Sauce
To make sure your garlic parmesan sauce is creamy and smooth, keep a few tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Don’t use pre-grated parmesan. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a much smoother sauce.
- Simmer Slowly: Don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer gently over low heat to thicken up. If you cook it on high heat, it may break or separate.
How to Make the Dish Ahead of Time
If you’re meal prepping or need to get ahead on your dinner plans, you can definitely make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Here’s how:
- Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then store them in separate containers in the fridge.
- When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the sauce in a pan. Add a little extra cream if it’s thickened too much, and toss in your pasta and chicken.
Variations to Try
Feel like switching things up? Here are a few fun variations to give your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta a unique twist:
- Add Vegetables: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can add texture and additional flavor.
- Change the Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but you could also try adding mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy touch or Asiago for a more tangy flavor.
- Spicy Version: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
Is Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Healthy?
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it’s definitely not a daily meal if you’re watching your calorie intake. But, if you’re looking to cut some calories, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a lower-fat cheese. You could also go for lean chicken breasts or use zucchini noodles instead of regular pasta to make it lighter.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is already a filling meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides.
FAQs about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free option like coconut cream. Keep in mind that coconut cream will add a slightly different flavor, but it still creates a creamy texture.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can use pre-cooked chicken, but make sure to add it to the sauce at the end, just long enough to warm through without drying it out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a nice spicy kick.
Can I Freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw both and reheat them. You might need to add extra cream to make the sauce nice and smooth again.
How Can I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Vegetarian?
To make the dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Add more vegetables to fill it out, and you’re all set.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to add your personal touch by customizing it with veggies or other proteins! Enjoy this delicious, hearty dish with your loved ones, and watch it disappear in no time. Happy cooking!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 25mins
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 Tablespoons salted butter divided in recipe (you can use less)
- 24 ounces chicken breast boneless skinless (about 3 medium size chicken breasts)
- 1½ teaspoons fine grind sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ Tablespoon minced garlic about 6 cloves
- 8 ounces rotini Pasta
- 4 bulbs roasted garlic
- ¾ cup chicken stock or broth
- 4 ounces parmesan Cheese about 1¼ cups finely grated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 Tablespoon dried parsely optional
- 8 ounces fresh spinach optional
Instructions
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Roast the garlic if you haven’t already. Let it cool and squeeze the garlic cloves out into a small bowl.
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Trim and cube the chicken breasts into 1″ pieces.
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Mince raw garlic, shred the parmesan cheese, and gather the remaining ingredients.
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Turn the Ninja Foodi or Instant Pot on high sear/sauté. Melt 2-4 Tablespoons of butter and add the chicken pieces and seasonings (except parsley). Stir and brown the chicken on one side.
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Flip the chicken and add in the minced garlic. Stir frequently and sauté for 2-3 minutes. If the garlic is browning too quickly, turn the heat down.
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Add in the pasta, roasted garlic and the chicken broth or stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to make sure nothing is stuck. Add in the remaining butter.
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Put the pressure lid on turn the valve to seal. Set the pressure on high for 4 minutes. When the time is up, allow the pot to naturally release the pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir.
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Add in the grated cheese and stir. Add in ¼ cup of heavy cream and stir. Continue to add the cream until the sauce is the consistency you like. Add in the dried parsley and stir.
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If you want to add in fresh spinach, add it in now and stir. Close the lid and let sit for a few minutes so it can wilt.
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Serve & Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 561kcal
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
