Description
Cheesy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers comfort and flavor in one skillet masterpiece. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry diners with classic Italian-inspired goodness you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
- 3 cups (approximately 340 grams) cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15 ounces/425 grams) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) garlic parmesan sauce
Cheese:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F and prepare a rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of cooking lubricant.
- Merge cooked pasta with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of creamy Alfredo and zesty garlic parmesan sauces.
- Incorporate half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Introduce a splash of reserved pasta liquid to maintain a luxurious, silky consistency throughout the dish.
- Carefully transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an appetizing layer.
- Generously crown the surface with remaining cheese varieties, promising a decadent melted topping.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and nestle it into the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
- For enthusiasts seeking a golden-brown crust, activate the broiler briefly, keeping a vigilant eye to prevent charring.
- Allow the dish a brief moment to settle and cool, which helps the flavors meld and the texture to stabilize.
- Finish with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of vibrant color and herbaceous freshness, then serve while still warmly inviting.
Notes
- Save leftover pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a creamy and perfectly moistened dish.
- Choose high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for maximum flavor and rich, melty texture.
- Broiling briefly creates a delectable golden-brown cheese crust that elevates the entire meal’s appearance and taste.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent becoming mushy during the final baking process, maintaining ideal pasta texture.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta.
- Prep and measure ingredients beforehand for a smooth, stress-free cooking experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 742
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1340 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg