Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- Pasta and Chicken:
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- Sauces:
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
- Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. If the mixture seems too dry, add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water for extra sauciness.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Broil:
- For a golden top, remove the foil and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Cool and Garnish:
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Additional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 421 kcal per serving
- Servings: 8
Additional Ingredients and Variations:
- Vegetables:
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté the vegetables briefly before mixing them into the pasta.
- Breadcrumb Topping:
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter over the top before baking. You can also add some grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Herbs:
- Fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can be mixed into the sauce for added depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick:
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the pasta mixture or on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes:
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta bake.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks to soak up any extra sauce.
- Wine Pairing:
- White Wine: A light white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs well with creamy pasta dishes.
- Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, a light red such as Pinot Noir can complement the dish.
Cooking Tips:
- Make Ahead:
- You can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
- Freezing:
- This dish freezes well. Assemble the pasta bake, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Enhancements for More Flavor:
- Cheese Mix:
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Garlic:
- If you love garlic, add some minced garlic to the sauce for an extra garlicky flavor.
Presentation:
- Individual Servings:
- For a fun twist, divide the mixture into individual ramekins or small baking dishes. This makes for an elegant presentation and is great for portion control.
- Garnish:
- Along with parsley, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.
Enjoy your enhanced Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake!
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