Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

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Start with a friendly greeting to engage the readers

Hello, pasta lovers! 🍝 If you’re in the mood for a delicious, comforting casserole, this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is just what you need. It’s loaded with tender rotini pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy garlic Parmesan sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a meal-prep recipe that tastes even better the next day!

Introduction

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. It combines rotini pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich garlic Parmesan Alfredo sauce that bakes to creamy perfection. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this dish is beautifully golden and bursting with flavor. It’s easy to make, packed with cheesy goodness, and always a hit at the table!

Ingredients

To prepare this creamy and delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water)
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Optional Additions:

  • Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
  • Try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Follow these easy steps to create this hearty and creamy pasta casserole:

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9Ă—13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
  1. Combine Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture seems a little dry, add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
  1. Transfer to the Baking Dish and Top with Cheese:
  • Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  1. Bake the Casserole:
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling.
  1. Broil for a Golden Top (Optional):
  • For a beautifully golden top, remove the foil and broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  1. Garnish and Serve:
  • Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tip: Using pasta water helps the sauce stick to the pasta and adds extra flavor.

Helpful Tips

  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps thicken the sauce, making it creamy and velvety.
  • Golden Top: Broiling for a few minutes at the end gives the dish a nice, golden color and adds flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta pairs well with:

  • A side salad of mixed greens for a refreshing contrast
  • Garlic bread or a slice of crusty bread to scoop up the extra sauce
  • A glass of white wine or sparkling water for a well-rounded meal

Nutritional Information

Calories: 570 kcal per serving | Servings: 8

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Potassium: 400mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 15% DV
  • Vitamin C: 2% DV
  • Calcium: 30% DV
  • Iron: 10% DV

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Leftover Idea: Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed peppers or spoon over steamed broccoli for a tasty twist!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
A: Yes! Homemade Alfredo sauce works great and adds a rich flavor. Just make sure to use about 3 cups to replace the jarred sauces.

Q: What type of chicken works best?
A: Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even grilled chicken all work wonderfully for this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta casserole?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

For more creamy, comforting pasta dishes, check out:

  • Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta
  • Three-Cheese Spinach Stuffed Shells
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta as much as we do! It’s the perfect meal for cozy nights, special gatherings, or just a simple weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Let us know how it turns out, and don’t forget to share any fun additions or variations you try. Enjoy! 🍝

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