Description
A comforting and creamy baked pasta dish featuring garlic-Parmesan flavors, melty cheese, and customizable options like chicken or vegetables. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (optional)
- 2 (15‑oz) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic Parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken (if using), Alfredo sauce, garlic Parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture seems thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through.
- If you like a golden top, remove the foil and broil for 2–3 minutes (watch so it doesn’t burn).
- Let it rest about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Omit chicken for a vegetarian version or substitute with sautéed vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta and sauces for a gluten-free version.
- To add a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
- Use reserved pasta water to maintain creaminess during reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
