Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly amid silky pasta strands coated in a rich, velvety sauce.

Robust garlic notes dance through each bite, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes this dish absolutely unforgettable.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll find this recipe comes together faster than ordering takeout, with far more satisfaction.

Prepare to savor every single mouthwatering forkful of this decadent pasta creation.

Why Garlic Parmesan Pasta Is Comforting

• This chicken pasta dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses or protein types, allowing personalization without compromising the delicious creamy texture and taste.
• Packed with familiar, kid-approved ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies picky eaters.
• Combines protein, carbs, and sauce in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and making meal preparation streamlined and stress-free.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Rotini Pasta: A corkscrew-shaped pasta that perfectly catches and holds the creamy sauce.
• Shredded Chicken: The protein-packed protein that adds substance to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty cheese that creates a gooey, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth of flavor to the dish.

• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: A creamy, flavorful sauce that brings richness to the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Pasta Cooking Water: A starchy liquid that helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.

• Butter, Cooking Spray: Used to prevent sticking and add a light greasing to the baking dish.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a pop of color and a subtle herb flavor.
• Foil: Used to cover the dish during baking to prevent excessive browning.

How To Cook Chicken Garlic Pasta Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil rotini in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water – this liquid gold will help create an incredibly smooth sauce later.

Step 3: Create Flavor Fusion

• Cooked rotini
• Shredded chicken
• Sauce
• Garlic Parmesan sauce
• Half of mozzarella cheese
• Half of Parmesan cheese

Season with salt and pepper.

If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Build The Casserole

Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, creating a delicious cheesy layer.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and the casserole becomes bubbly.

For a golden crust, briefly broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping it set and cool slightly.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece.

Handy Tips For Creamy Pasta Success

• Reserve that starchy pasta water to create a silkier, more luxurious sauce without adding extra cream.
• Sprinkle cheese in two stages – mixed into the pasta and on top – for maximum flavor and a gorgeous golden crust.
• Cover with foil while baking to keep the chicken and pasta moist, then briefly broil for that irresistible crispy top.
• Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta, elevating the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking, helping it set and preventing mouth-burning hot bites.

Best Storage Methods For Garlic Pasta Dishes

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap the casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover the pasta with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese topping.

Great Pairings For Chicken Parmesan Pasta

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Crisp white wine like Chardonnay perfectly balances the creamy, rich pasta with its bright acidity and complementary buttery notes.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, providing a zesty, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Texture-Matching Bread: Toasted garlic bread with a crusty exterior and soft interior creates a delightful textural companion, helping soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Herbal Drink Pairing: Fresh basil-infused sparkling water offers a clean, herbal undertone that refreshes between bites and lightens the pasta's creamy intensity.

Delicious Twists On Creamy Garlic Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace rotini with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates and add vegetable nutrition. Skip boiling and quickly sauté zucchini noodles to maintain texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream sauce. Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives to create a creamy consistency while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
• Gluten-Free Option: Select gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Protein-Packed Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed extra-firm tofu. Season plant-based protein with similar garlic and herb seasonings to maintain recipe's original flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini is ideal because its twists and curves help capture the creamy sauce, creating a more flavorful bite. Other short pasta like penne or fusilli can also work well.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just shred it and mix into the pasta mixture as the recipe suggests. It adds extra flavor and cuts down on preparation time.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber, opt for low-fat cheese options, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of some of the cream for a protein-packed, lighter sauce.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! This pasta casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave. The flavors often develop and become even more delicious the next day.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta, where Italian-inspired flavors dance on your plate. Succulent chicken and al dente pasta mingle in a rich, velvety sauce that promises pure culinary delight for hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 2 (15-ounce) jars sauce

Cheese and Sauce:

• 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm up the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook rotini pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
3. Create the pasta mixture by combining cooked rotini, shredded chicken, sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Season with salt and pepper, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
4. Transfer the pasta blend into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution. Generously top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a decadent cheese layer.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and the casserole becomes bubbly. For a crispy golden surface, briefly broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping it set and cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and serve while warm.

Notes

• Reserved pasta water acts as a secret weapon for creating a smoother, silkier sauce with perfect consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère for unique flavor profiles.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg