Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Dish
   Before diving into the fun part, preheat your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat with cooking spray or a dab of butter. This little prep ensures our pasta bake won't stick, making serving (and cleanup) a breeze later on.

2. Step 2: Cook the Rotini Pasta
   Fill a large pot with water, toss in a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Cook the rotini pasta per the package directions until it's al dente—firm to the bite but not mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but keep a half-cup of that pasta water just in case we need it later to adjust the sauce consistency.

3. Step 3: Combine Ingredients
   In a spacious mixing bowl, bring together the cooked rotini, your diced or shredded chicken, the Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces, and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Season this hearty blend with salt and pepper to your liking. It's your chance to taste and adjust; remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can't take it out!

4. Step 4: Mix and Adjust the Sauce
   Stir everything until it's all well mingled. If the mixture feels a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a nice, saucy consistency. The pasta should be well-coated but not drowning—think creamy, not soupy.

5. Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake
   Pour the well-mixed pasta concoction into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This is your canvas—make sure the top is smooth and even for a perfect finish.

6. Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
   Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta. This cheesy blanket will melt into a gooey, golden crust that’s hard to resist.

7. Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauces are bubbling away. It should smell heavenly about now!

8. Step 8: Broil for a Golden Finish
   If you're in the mood for an extra crispy top, remove the foil and broil the dish for an additional 2-3 minutes. Keep a close watch—a beautiful golden brown is what you want, not a burnt mess.

9. Step 9: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
   After removing the pasta from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes with the foil on. This rest helps the flavors settle. Before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you're feeling fancy. Dig in while it's warm and enjoy each cheesy, garlicky bite!

Notes

Crafting a delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake can be a breeze if you steer clear of a few common kitchen pitfalls. Sometimes, folks find their pasta bake a bit dry. Remember to reserve some pasta water; this starchy goodness can transform your dish, ensuring it remains luscious and creamy.

Overcooking pasta is another oops moment; al dente is your best friend. It’ll absorb flavors without turning mushy. If your cheese isn’t melting evenly, check that it’s not piled too thick; a nice even layer will do the trick.

Lastly, keep an eye on that broiler! It can shift from golden brown to charcoal in an instant. Happy cooking!

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