When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits the spot quite like a bubbling, cheesy, and creamy pasta bake. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake is a warm hug in casserole form—easy to prepare, family-friendly, and absolutely loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving a crowd, prepping ahead for the week, or simply craving something satisfying, this dish delivers on all fronts.

Creamy Alfredo sauce combines with bold garlic parmesan flavors, tender chicken, rotini pasta, and a melty cheese topping that gets golden and bubbly in the oven. It’s everything you want from a hearty, one-dish meal—quick to make, delicious to eat, and even better the next day.

🍗 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pasta Bake

Easy Weeknight Casserole: Just mix, bake, and serve. No stovetop cooking beyond the pasta.
Family-Friendly: Mild, creamy flavors that both kids and adults love.
Great for Leftovers: Stores and reheats beautifully, perfect for lunch the next day.
Freezer-Friendly: Make two—bake one, freeze one!

🧄 Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down the ingredients and why they work so well together:

1. Rotini Pasta (1 lb)

Rotini’s spiral shape is perfect for clinging onto sauces, ensuring every bite is loaded with creamy goodness. You can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or ziti if preferred.

Tip: Reserve ½ to 1 cup of pasta water to loosen the mixture if needed.

2. Cooked Chicken (3 cups)

Diced or shredded—use whatever you have! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken adds a nice depth of flavor.

3. Alfredo Sauce (Two 15 oz jars)

Rich and creamy, Alfredo sauce creates the base of the dish. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make homemade Alfredo, but jarred sauce works beautifully here.

4. Garlic Parmesan Sauce (1 cup)

This adds a bold, cheesy, garlicky punch and takes the flavor over the top. Look for brands like Buffalo Wild Wings® or use a homemade version.

5. Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups, shredded)

Melts beautifully and adds that stretchy, gooey finish everyone loves in a baked pasta dish.

6. Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)

Provides a sharp, salty contrast that complements the Alfredo base. A must for depth of flavor and crisp top.

7. Salt & Pepper

Simple seasonings to bring balance and enhance all the cheesy, creamy elements.

8. Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

Optional but adds color and a fresh touch to the final dish.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil the rotini pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ to 1 cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

3. Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

Cooked pasta
3 cups diced or shredded chicken
2 jars of Alfredo sauce
1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
1 cup mozzarella cheese (half the total)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (half the total)
Salt and pepper to taste

Stir everything until well combined. Add a splash of pasta water if it feels too thick.

4. Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the creamy pasta mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

5. Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

6. Optional: Broil for Golden Top

Uncover the dish and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and lightly crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning!

7. Cool Slightly & Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This pasta bake is a meal in itself, but here are a few simple sides that complement it perfectly:

Garlic Bread or Texas Toast
Caesar Salad or a crisp garden salad
Roasted Broccoli or Green Beans

Optional Add-On: Drizzle with extra garlic parmesan sauce before serving for even more indulgence!

🔁 Variations & Swaps

Ingredient Swap	Alternative Option
Chicken	Rotisserie, grilled, canned, or leftover turkey
Pasta	Penne, ziti, shells, or gluten-free pasta
Garlic Parmesan Sauce	Add extra garlic + grated parmesan to Alfredo
Cheese Topping	Use a mozzarella-cheddar blend for variety
Add Veggies	Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or peas work well

❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer Option: Cool the baked dish completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, or thaw overnight and bake for 25 minutes.

Reheat Tip: Add a splash of milk or pasta water before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

🤔 FAQ

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the chicken and add roasted veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for a meat-free option.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely. Use about 3 cups of your favorite homemade Alfredo sauce if you prefer from-scratch.

Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s very mild. If you want a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Sure! Mix ½ cup panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top before broiling for extra crunch.