Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Category: Quick and Satisfying Dinner Solutions for Busy Weeknights

Savor a comforting dish of creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake layered with mozzarella and a blend of savory sauces. Rotini is tossed with tender chicken, Alfredo, and a garlic Parmesan sauce before being baked under a melted cheese topping. A hint of fresh parsley adds brightness at the end for a weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this pasta bake delivers a golden, bubbling finish in every bite.

Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Updated on Mon, 18 Aug 2025 14:05:14 GMT
A creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake. Pin
A creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta bake. | yummygusto.com

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake comes together on busy nights and feels like comfort in a casserole dish when you want a meal that delivers both creamy flavor and ease. I have lost count of how many times my family gathered around the oven waiting for that cheesy, golden top to bubble up and signal dinnertime.

Every time I make this pasta bake, the aroma alone draws everyone into the kitchen. The creamy garlic sauce clings to every swirl of pasta, making it an instant family favorite.

Ingredients

  • Rotini pasta: brings texture and holds plenty of sauce. Choose brands that hold up well and do not get mushy
  • Cooked chicken, diced or shredded: Use tender rotisserie or leftover roast for flavor and convenience
  • Alfredo sauce: brings smooth creaminess. Seek out a high-quality jar with real dairy for best taste
  • Garlic Parmesan sauce: is key for robust flavor. I always use a thicker restaurant style brand if I can find it
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: creates a gooey melt. Buy block mozzarella and shred yourself for maximum meltability
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: provides salty depth. Use freshly grated cheese if possible for sharpness
  • Salt and black pepper: balance and season the dish. Always taste and adjust to your liking
  • Fresh parsley: adds a fresh pop at the end. Optional but makes the bake look and taste brighter

Instructions

Prep the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375 Fahrenheit which ensures even heat throughout the bake. Grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks
Boil the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add rotini. Let it cook just until al dente, which is usually a minute less than the box directs. Scoop out one cup of the cooking water then drain the rest
Mix with Chicken and Sauces:
In a huge mixing bowl toss in the hot pasta then add diced or shredded chicken. Pour in both jars of Alfredo and all of the garlic Parmesan sauce along with half of each cheese. Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Stir until every piece is coated, then add a splash of reserved pasta water if it feels too thick
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour everything into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Sprinkle all the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top for that craveable golden crust
Bake and Broil:
Cover the dish with foil and slide it into your oven. Let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sides are bubbling and everything is heated through. For a crisp golden top, remove the foil and broil for up to three minutes but watch closely to avoid burning
Rest and Garnish:
Once bubbling hot, take the pan out and let it rest for 5 minutes so the cheese sets a bit before scooping. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a fresh finishing touch
A plate of food with chicken and pasta.
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. | yummygusto.com

It reminds me of cozy Sunday dinners when my son would rush to scoop out the crispiest corner piece first. Every time I make it, there are always requests for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. It reheats well in both the microwave and the oven. For best texture, stir in a splash of milk or water before reheating to loosen the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use penne or rigatoni if you do not have rotini and turkey works well in place of chicken. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper or use a smoky gouda cheese with mozzarella for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake shines alongside a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables. A loaf of warm garlic bread is almost a requirement in my house.

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken pasta bakes are a mainstay of American potlucks and family reunions for good reason. They blend the creamy Italian flavors of Alfredo and the convenience of a casserole in a way that fits every weeknight.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a hearty winter bake. Toss peas or blistered cherry tomatoes in for a summery version. Swap parsley with fresh basil when it is in season for a herbal twist.

Success Stories

Friends have told me they made this bake for new parents and it became one of the most appreciated meals for gifting. I once doubled the recipe for a holiday party and not a single bite was left even with kids and picky eaters around.

Freezer Meal Conversion

To make ahead for the freezer, assemble the pasta bake right up to the point of baking. Cover tightly with plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months. To cook, bake from frozen at 350 Fahrenheit covered for 45 minutes then uncover and bake until bubbly.

A plate of food with chicken and pasta.
A plate of food with chicken and pasta. | yummygusto.com

For gatherings or leftovers, I always make two pans. My favorite compliment is hearing how the edges crisp up just the way my husband loves it and watching everyone sneak cold bites straight from the fridge the next day.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, fusilli, or ziti work well as substitutes for rotini in this dish.

→ How can I make the dish more flavorful?

Try adding sautéed garlic, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra depth.

→ Can I prepare this pasta bake in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenience.

→ What other cheeses can I use?

Fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack can be added or swapped for a different cheesy profile.

→ Is it possible to make it without chicken?

Yes. Omit chicken or replace it with sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat before serving.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Cheesy chicken and rotini pasta with creamy garlic Parmesan flavor, baked for a golden, bubbly finish.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
By: Sandra

Category: Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Serves (One 9x13-inch pasta bake)

Dietary Info: ~

What You'll Need

→ Pasta

01 1 pound rotini pasta

→ Protein

02 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

→ Sauces

03 2 jars (15 ounces each) Alfredo sauce
04 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce

→ Cheese

05 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
06 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Seasoning

07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

09 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season mixture with salt and black pepper. Add approximately 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 04

Transfer pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 05

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling.

Step 06

Remove foil and broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 07

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  1. Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust creaminess without thinning the sauce excessively.

Gear Required

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Colander
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Double-check ingredients for allergens. If you’re unsure, talk to a health pro.
  • Contains dairy and wheat (gluten).

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Just for reference. It’s not a substitute for a nutritionist’s advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Carbs: 54 g
  • Protein: 27 g