Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

A Cozy Kitchen Memory

My grandson calls this my “hug in a bowl” recipe. I first made it for him after his big soccer game. He was so tired and hungry.

His whole face lit up when he took the first bite. That is a feeling I will never forget. It is why I love to cook for people.

Let’s Get Everything Ready

First, turn your oven on to 375°F. This warms up its heart. Grease your baking dish so nothing sticks.

Now, mix everything in a big bowl. The pasta, chicken, and sauces all go in. Add most of the cheese too. It will look messy, and that is okay.

*Fun fact:* The swirls on rotini pasta are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Isn’t that clever?

The Best Part: The Cheese!

Pour your mix into the dish. Now, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This makes the golden, bubbly crust.

Cover it with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing. That smell means your family will start gathering, asking “Is it ready yet?”

What is your favorite type of cheese to cook with? I always have extra mozzarella in my fridge.

A Little Secret for Perfection

After baking, take the foil off. Turn on the broiler for just a few minutes. Watch it closely!

I once got talking on the phone and forgot. I ended up with a very dark top. I still laugh at that. So please, set a timer.

This quick broil makes the top crispy. It adds a lovely little crunch. That contrast with the soft pasta underneath is so important.

Why This Dish is Special

This bake is more than just food. It brings everyone to the table. It is a reason to talk and laugh together.

That time together matters. It feeds your heart as much as your belly. What was the last meal that made you feel really happy?

Time to Share and Enjoy

Let the bake sit for five minutes after it comes out. This helps it set. Then, sprinkle on some fresh parsley if you like.

Now, dish it up. See how the cheese stretches from the spoon to the dish? That is the sign of a good bake.

If you make this, will you share a picture with me? I would love to see your cozy kitchen creation.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Rotini pasta	12 oz (340g)	Cooked according to package directions
Cooked chicken	2 cups, diced	Can use rotisserie or grilled chicken
Alfredo sauce	1 cup	Store-bought or homemade
Garlic parmesan sauce	1 cup	Store-bought or homemade
Shredded mozzarella cheese	2 cups, divided	Part goes in mixture, part for topping
Grated Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup, divided	Part goes in mixture, part for topping
Salt and Black pepper	To taste
Fresh parsley	For garnish	Optional

My Cozy Chicken Pasta Bake

Hello, my dear! Come on into my kitchen. It smells wonderful in here, doesn’t it? I want to share my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake with you. It is the coziest dinner for a busy weeknight. My grandkids ask for this one all the time. It reminds me of big family suppers at my old house. The table was always full of laughter and good food.

This recipe is like a big, cheesy hug in a dish. It is so simple to put together. You just mix everything up and pop it in the oven. I love how the cheese gets all bubbly and golden. It makes the whole house smell amazing. Let me show you how I make it.

Step 1

First, turn your oven on to 375°F. Let it get nice and hot. Then, take your baking dish and give it a little slick of oil. This reminds me of greasing pans with my mother. She always used a bit of butter paper. (A hard-learned tip: If you forget to grease the dish, the cheese will stick. Trust me, I have learned this the hard way!)

Step 2

Now, get a big bowl. Put in your cooked pasta and chicken. Pour in both of those creamy sauces. Add one cup of mozzarella and a bit of the Parmesan. Give it a good stir with a big spoon. I still laugh at how my grandson sneaks cheese from the bowl. If it looks a little thick, add some of the pasta water you saved. It makes it so silky.

Step 3

Pour your mixture into the greased dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, for the best part! Sprinkle the rest of the cheese all over the top. I always add an extra pinch of Parmesan. It makes the crust so tasty. Do you like a little or a lot of cheese on top? Share below!

Step 4

Cover the dish tightly with foil. Put it in the hot oven for about 25 minutes. You will know it is ready when you hear a gentle bubbling sound. It is such a happy noise. That means the cheese has melted perfectly into the pasta.

Step 5

Carefully take off the foil. Turn on the broiler for just 2-3 minutes. Watch it like a hawk! This gives you that beautiful, golden-brown top. I once got distracted and mine got a little too dark. We called it our “campfire special.” It still tasted great!

Step 6

Take the bake out of the oven. Let it sit for five minutes. This helps it set, so it is not too runny. If you like, sprinkle on some fresh, green parsley. It looks so pretty on the white cheese. Then, just scoop and serve.

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner

Let’s Mix It Up!

The best thing about cooking is making a recipe your own. You can change this bake in so many fun ways. Here are a few ideas I love to try when I am feeling creative. They are all so delicious.

Veggie Lover’s Dream

Skip the chicken. Add lots of broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms instead. It becomes a creamy, hearty vegetarian meal.

A Little Spicy Kick

Stir a big spoonful of pesto into the sauce. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a lovely, warm zing.

Sun-Dried Tomato Twist

Chop up some sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Mix them in with the pasta. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that is just wonderful.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with your beautiful pasta bake? I always think a simple green salad is perfect. The crisp lettuce goes so well with the rich, cheesy pasta. A few slices of warm, crusty bread are lovely, too. You can use them to scoop up every last bit of sauce from your plate.

For a drink, I have two favorites. A cold glass of lemonade with a sprig of mint is so refreshing. For the grown-ups, a simple glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. It is a very nice combination for a relaxing evening. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Bake Perfect

Let’s talk about keeping your pasta bake tasty for later. It stores well in the fridge for three days. Just cover it tightly with foil. You can also freeze it for a cozy future meal. Let it cool completely first. Then wrap the whole dish well. It will be good for two months.

I remember my first time freezing this dish. I was so happy to find it a week later. It felt like a gift from my past self. Batch cooking like this saves you time and money. It means a good meal is always close by. That matters on busy days.

To reheat, let a frozen bake thaw in the fridge overnight. Then warm it in the oven until bubbly. The oven keeps the cheese nice and not soggy. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Problems

Sometimes our cooking needs a little help. Here are some easy fixes. Is your pasta bake too dry? Next time, save some pasta water. Stirring in that starchy water makes the sauce creamier. It helps everything blend together smoothly.

Is your cheese topping not browning? I once had this happen. My oven just needed a few more minutes without the foil. Broiling at the end fixes this. But watch it closely. It can burn very fast. Getting a golden top makes the meal feel special.

Does the flavor taste a bit plain? Do not forget the salt and pepper. Seasoning wakes up all the other flavors. This is the secret to a delicious dish. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Pasta Bake Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. It works just as well.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the dish and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready.

Q: What if I do not have rotini?
A: Any short pasta will work. Penne or shells are great swaps. Fun fact: Rotini’s twists are perfect for holding onto the sauce!

Q: Can I make a smaller portion?
A: Of course. Just cut the ingredients in half. Use a smaller baking dish.

Q: Is the fresh parsley important?
A: It is optional but adds a fresh, colorful finish. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you love making this cozy pasta bake. It is a recipe that feels like a hug. I would be so thrilled to see your results. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Let’s build a little community of friendly cooks. I love seeing your family’s favorite dishes. Thank you for spending time in the kitchen with me.

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.