Heavenly Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Warm, golden parmesan cheese and a silky garlic sauce make this cheesy garlic parmesan chicken pasta recipe an instant weeknight favorite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente pasta strands.

Each forkful delivers a rich, creamy experience that satisfies deep comfort food cravings.

The combination of crispy chicken and melted cheese creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Fragrant garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish a go-to meal for busy cooks.

You’ll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own kitchen.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Chicken Pasta

Creamy Chicken Cheese Heaven

• Oven Warmup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss together your cooked pasta, tender chicken, dreamy Alfredo sauce, garlicky goodness, and sprinkle in half of the melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan. Dance some salt and pepper into the mix for extra zing.

• Moisture Magic

If the mixture looks a bit dry, splash in some pasta water to create that silky sauce that’ll make everyone swoon.

• Baking Brilliance

Pour the mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out like a cozy blanket. Shower the top with remaining cheese for maximum deliciousness.

• Cheese Transformation

Cover with foil and slide into the oven. Let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns into a bubbling wonderland.

• Golden Finish

Want an extra crispy top? Flip on the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye out to prevent any burnt mishaps.

• Serve and Celebrate

Let it rest for a quick 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!

Tips for Cheese Melt and Sauce Consistency

• Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon bits, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse flavor profiles.
• Stir in roasted bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to enhance nutritional value and add colorful textures.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, drizzle hot sauce, or mix in smoked paprika for an extra kick of heat and complexity.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Alfredo sauce is certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions without compromising delicious taste.

Serving This Pasta Hot with Toppings

• Party Night Platter: Create a stunning dinner spread by pairing this cheesy chicken pasta with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread. The fresh greens will balance the rich, creamy pasta perfectly.
• Side Dish Companions: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make fantastic accompaniments, adding nutritious color and complementary textures to the main dish.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a chilled white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta, enhancing the overall dining experience with a sophisticated touch.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into a delightful lunch by reheating and topping with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an exciting flavor boost.

How to Store Without Drying Out

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Use shallow containers to help cool the dish quickly and maintain optimal flavor.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the baked pasta tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
• Portion Control Tip: Divide the pasta into single-serving meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label each container with the date of preparation to track freshness and maximize meal planning efficiency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 665 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the dish, choose fresh, boneless cuts for even cooking.
• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation, select medium-sized shapes like penne or rotini that hold sauce beautifully.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers smooth, stretchy melting quality, opt for fresh block cheese for superior melting performance.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, nutty undertones, select aged variety for intense flavor profile.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creates rich, velvety base, choose high-quality prepared sauce or consider homemade version.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Enhances overall depth with aromatic garlic notes, look for authentic, well-balanced prepared sauce.

• Salt: Elevates and balances overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for cleaner flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, herbaceous garnish, select crisp, vibrant green leaves for visual appeal.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures smooth, non-stick baking surface, choose unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Creamy Pasta

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining pasta, chicken, and sauces with perfect blending.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Provides ideal space for layering and baking the cheesy pasta.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure pasta water and ingredients.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the baking dish is lightly greased for easy serving.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients smoothly in the bowl.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dishes.

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy garlic parmesan chicken pasta delivers comfort with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan cheese and herbs create a delightful blend you can savor in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups chicken, cooked and diced or shredded (approximately 340 g/12 oz)
• 2 jars Alfredo sauce (15 oz/425 g each)
• 1 lb (454 g) rotini pasta
• 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce (240 ml/8 fl oz)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (226 g/8 oz)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50 g/1.8 oz)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Parsley, fresh and chopped (optional)
• ½ cup pasta water (120 ml/4 fl oz, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Ignite the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a rectangular baking dish with cooking spray, creating a non-stick surface for the culinary creation.
2. Pasta and Protein Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with succulent chicken pieces, blending Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces to create a harmonious flavor profile.
3. Cheese Integration: Fold half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses into the mixture, ensuring an even distribution of creamy, tangy notes throughout the dish.
4. Moisture Management: Introduce a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain a luxurious, silky texture that prevents dryness.
5. Baking Preparation: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer that promises consistent flavor in every bite.
6. Cheese Crowning: Lavish the surface with the remaining cheese varieties, promising a decadent, melted topping that will tantalize the taste buds.
7. Oven Transformation: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld and the cheese to become a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
8. Final Flourish: For an extra crispy top, activate the broiler briefly, watching carefully to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
9. Resting and Serving: Let the dish rest for a few moments to stabilize the flavors and texture, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal freshness.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta liquid acts as a secret weapon, adding silky smoothness and helping cheese sauce cling perfectly to every noodle.
• Cheese Distribution Technique: Blend half the cheese inside the mixture and reserve remaining cheese for a golden, bubbling top layer to maximize flavor and texture.
• Baking Precision: Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent excessive browning, then briefly uncover to achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust.
• Fresh Finish Factor: Sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to elevate visual appeal and introduce a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the rich, creamy pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 970 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg