Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re anything like me, creamy, cheesy pasta dishes hold a special place in your heart (and stomach). This creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta casserole combines tender rotini pasta, flavorful chicken, and a silky Parmesan sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. The best part? It’s simple to make and feels like comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish hits all the right notes.

this RECIPE

A little story about my obsession with cheesy casseroles 🧄

One chilly evening last fall, I found myself with leftover rotisserie chicken, a box of pasta, and a half-empty jar of plant-based Parmesan sauce. What started as a desperate attempt to whip up something quick turned into a household favorite. I remember pulling the casserole out of the oven, the melted mozzarella stretching with every bite, and realizing I’d accidentally stumbled upon magic. Since then, this recipe has been my go-to for busy weeknights or whenever I want something indulgent without too much effort. There’s just something about the creamy garlic flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

Where does this dish come from?

While casseroles are distinctly American, the flavors in this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta draw heavily from Italian-inspired cuisine. Think sauce meets baked ziti, with a dash of modern convenience. Historically, casseroles became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century as a way to stretch ingredients while creating hearty meals. This recipe puts a lighter spin on tradition by using a plant-based Parmesan sauce and skipping the heavy cream. It’s a wonderful fusion of old-school comfort with a slightly healthier, modern twist.

Let’s talk ingredients: why each one matters

The ingredients in this dish work together to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Here’s why they’re essential and how you can make substitutions if needed:

• Rotini pasta: The spiral shape is perfect for catching all that delicious sauce. If you’re out of rotini, penne or fusilli are great substitutes. For a gluten-free version, try chickpea or lentil pasta.
• Cooked chicken: Diced or shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly, but baked or grilled chicken breasts are just as good. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Plant-based Parmesan sauce: This creamy base is what gives the dish its garlicky richness.
• Mozzarella cheese: The ooey-gooey factor comes from mozzarella. Make sure it’s shredded finely for even melting. A plant-based mozzarella works beautifully here too!
• Grated Parmesan-style cheese: This adds sharp, nutty notes. Use a Parmesan-style cheese made with microbial rennet for a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Fresh parsley: Totally optional but gives a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness.

Essential kitchen tools: what you need

You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta, but a few tools make it much easier:

• Large mixing bowl: For combining the pasta, chicken, and sauce. Make sure it’s big enough to toss everything together without spilling!
• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for evenly baking the casserole. If you don’t have one, two smaller dishes will work too.
• Aluminum foil: Keeps the casserole from drying out while baking.
• Cheese grater: If you’re shredding your own mozzarella or Parmesan, a box grater is your best friend.
• Tongs or a large spoon: Helpful for tossing the pasta mixture evenly.

No fancy pasta machines or kitchen scales here—this dish is as low-maintenance as they come.

Step-by-step: how to make this creamy pasta casserole

Let’s dive into the fun part! Here’s how to make this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken pasta step-by-step.

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil your rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, but don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later.
3. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, chicken, Parmesan sauce, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water if you want a looser, creamier consistency.
4. Assemble the casserole: Spread the pasta mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
6. Broil (optional): Want a golden, slightly crispy topping? Remove the foil and broil on high for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye—it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds!
7. Garnish and serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before digging in. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy!

Variations to try (because everyone loves options!)

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations I’ve experimented with:

• Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauces and cheeses are gluten-free too.
• Spicy kick: Stir in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Seasonal twist: In the fall, I’ve added roasted butternut squash, and in the summer, I’ve used sun-dried tomatoes for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Herby variation: Mix in some fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to amplify the flavors.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is endlessly versatile.

Serving and presentation ideas

When it comes to serving, this casserole looks as cozy as it tastes. Scoop a generous portion onto a plate, and sprinkle it with a touch of extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. If you’re hosting, serve it family-style straight from the baking dish—it’s the kind of dish that invites second helpings. Pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

What to drink with this creamy casserole?

You can’t go wrong with something refreshing to balance the richness of the pasta. A sparkling lemonade or a cold glass of iced tea with a slice of lemon would be delightful. If you’re a fan of mocktails, try a basil-infused soda or a cucumber mint cooler. For something cozy, a warm herbal tea pairs wonderfully too!

Storing leftovers and reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave for a quick meal or cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, stir in a splash of water or milk before reheating to revive the creamy texture.

Freezing? Totally doable! Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

How to adjust for different serving sizes

Whether you’re cooking for two or a crowd, this recipe is easy to scale. For smaller portions, halve the ingredients and use an 8×8-inch baking dish. For a larger gathering, double the recipe and bake it in two 9×13-inch dishes. Just remember, cooking times might vary slightly with larger or smaller quantities, so keep an eye on the oven!

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even macaroni work well. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they won’t mix as easily.

3. What can I use instead of Parmesan sauce?
A homemade garlic cream sauce made with almond milk, garlic, and nutritional yeast is a great alternative.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan along with a plant-based creamy garlic sauce.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Save that pasta water! Mixing in a bit before baking helps keep the dish creamy and prevents it from drying out.

Print