Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Featured in Pasta and Noodles.

This rotini-based chicken casserole is pure comfort food. A rich, creamy garlic Alfredo sauce coats each tender pasta piece, while pieces of chicken add hearty texture. A cheesy crust on top turns golden and bubbly, making every bite heavenly. Rotini's curls catch the sauce perfectly, making this dish a favorite for satisfying weeknight meals.
punchofyummy
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:04:50 GMT
A cheesy, baked pasta with chicken and rotini topped with parsley. Pin it
A cheesy, baked pasta with chicken and rotini topped with parsley. | pinchofyummy.com

I whipped up this Chicken Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan one chilly weekend when everyone wanted something gooey and heartwarming. It's basically a bowl of happiness with all those velvety textures, chunks of chicken and pasta soaked in that garlicky, cheesy flavor. These days we turn to it whenever we need food that's like wrapping up in a cozy blanket.

Delightful Comfort Sensation

Imagine rich and buttery sauce combined with bold garlic parmesan flavors alongside tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces. The whole meal comes together in a single baking dish which makes tidying up afterward a breeze. It's fantastic for using up yesterday's leftover chicken too, so it's super handy on hectic evenings.

Essential Ingredients

  • Rotini Pasta: A full pound because those twisty shapes grab onto all that yummy sauce.
  • Chicken: Around three cups either chopped or pulled apart, whatever you've got.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Grab two 15 ounce containers for ultra creaminess.
  • Garlic Parmesan Sauce: One cup to pack in tons of taste.
  • Mozzarella: Two cups that'll turn into stretchy goodness.
  • Parmesan: Half cup freshly shredded works best.
  • Seasonings: Just salt and pepper to taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Just for looks if you want it.

Create Something Wonderful

Begin Here
Warm your oven to 375° and boil pasta, keeping some cooking water aside.
Handle Your Chicken
Chop or tear into small, mouth-sized bits.
Blend Everything
Throw together pasta, chicken, sauces, most cheese, and add cooking water until smooth.
Fill Your Dish
Dump the mixture into your casserole dish and sprinkle leftover cheese on top.
Cook Until Done
Bake covered for 25 minutes then pop under the broiler for a crispy, golden crust.
A baked pasta dish with rotini, chicken, and melted cheese, topped with parsley. Pin it
A baked pasta dish with rotini, chicken, and melted cheese, topped with parsley. | pinchofyummy.com

Tasty Companions

Pair with a green salad or some bright veggies for balance. Throw in some toasted garlic bread to mop up sauce. Fancy a drink? Nothing beats a cool glass of Chardonnay alongside.

Change It Around

Go for different noodle types or use shrimp instead of chicken. Don't eat meat? Toss in some baked zucchini and bell peppers. Want some kick? Toss in chili flakes or hot Italian sausage to make it your own.

Storage Smarts

Lasts about 3 days in your fridge. Reheat it with a cover at 350° and splash in some water to keep its creamy texture. Freezes wonderfully too just let it thaw overnight before enjoying again.

Fast Facts

Can you prep early? You bet just store in the fridge till tomorrow. Other cheese options? Give Gouda or Fontina a shot for new flavors. Can you freeze it? Absolutely cool it down, portion it out, freeze up to 2 months.

Healthier Than You Think

Gives you lasting energy with protein from the chicken and carbs from pasta. The cheese adds bone-building calcium and healthy fats. It's tasty food that actually fills you up properly.

Clever Tricks

Don't toss that pasta water it makes everything extra smooth. Always sample your sauce mix before baking. Real Parmesan not the powdered stuff makes a huge difference. A quick finish under the broiler creates that amazing crunchy top everyone fights over.

What Makes It Special

This meal always hits the spot simple enough for Tuesday night fancy enough for guests. The leftovers warm up wonderfully which is great during busy weeks.

Food With Meaning

Certain dishes become woven into your family traditions. This one draws everyone around the table fills your home with amazing aromas and builds those little moments we all cherish forever.

A creamy pasta dish with chicken, topped with golden-brown cheese and garnished with parsley, served in a white baking dish. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish with chicken, topped with golden-brown cheese and garnished with parsley, served in a white baking dish. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to prep ahead?
Sure, you can put it together a day in advance and refrigerate. Just plan for a bit more baking time.
→ What pasta works besides rotini?
You can swap in penne, farfalle, or fusilli—any pasta that holds sauce well will be great.
→ Can leftover chicken be used?
Absolutely. Shredded or diced cooked chicken, even from a rotisserie, works just fine.
→ Why keep pasta water?
That starchy water helps thin sauce while also making it stick better to the pasta.
→ Can I freeze the dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you bake it.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta

Rotini and chicken meet a creamy Alfredo-style sauce in this casserole, topped generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Amelia

Category: Pasta and Noodles

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 8 Servings (8 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound of rotini pasta.
02 3 cups of chopped, cooked chicken.
03 30 ounces of Alfredo sauce.
04 A cup of garlic parmesan sauce.
05 2 cups of shredded mozzarella.
06 1/2 cup grated parmesan.
07 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
08 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
09 Chopped fresh parsley.
10 A cup of pasta water you saved earlier.

Instructions

Step 01

Set oven to 375°F. Coat a 9x13 baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.

Step 02

Stir together the pasta, chicken, both sauces, half the mozzarella and parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pour in some pasta water if it feels dry.

Step 03

Spread mixture into the baking dish and scatter the rest of the cheese over the top.

Step 04

Cover with foil and pop it in the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes until it's bubbling.

Step 05

Optional: Turn on broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top layer.

Step 06

Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle parsley on top if you want.

Notes

  1. You can prep this in advance.
  2. Swap in any pasta you like that's medium-sized.
  3. Great way to use up cooked chicken leftovers.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x13 baking dish.
  • A big bowl for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 421
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~