Transform your dinner into a delightful Italian feast with this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake. This recipe perfectly combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce topped with a golden layer of melted cheeses. Ideal for a comforting family meal, this pasta bake is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a gourmet-style dinner any night of the week.

Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish

Large mixing bowl

Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Aluminum foil

Ingredients

1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained

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

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rotini pasta, diced or shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and garlic parmesan sauce. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to this mixture. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add about ½ cup of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamier texture.

Assemble the Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust once baked.

Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and bake for 20-25 minutes. The dish should be heated through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Broil for Golden Top: For a beautifully golden top, remove the foil and broil the pasta for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Garnish and Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This rest period helps the ingredients set, making it easier to serve. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Side Salad: Pair this hearty dish with a light side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce.

Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. When ready to eat, bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use different pasta shapes? Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni will work just as well.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until thoroughly warmed.

 

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the perfect way to bring the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant into the comfort of your home. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your family tonight!