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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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