If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, irresistible meal that feels like a warm hug, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, it brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures in a simple baked dish that makes weeknight dinners shine or weekend get-togethers extra special. The beautiful golden top and luscious sauce make every bite a delight, proving that homemade comfort food can be both delicious and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe couldn’t be easier, and each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s signature creaminess, cheesy goodness, and balanced flavor. From tender chicken to a luscious blend of cheeses and aromatic seasonings, these components work in perfect harmony.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed: Provides a hearty, protein-rich base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente: Offers the perfect texture to hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth and a subtle richness when sautéing garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and savory notes.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that defines Alfredo.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce just enough to keep it silky and smooth.
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Adds gooey, melty texture with a beautiful golden crust on top.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs that tie the whole dish together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a splash of color and fresh brightness to finish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start your Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about one minute; this helps release its delicious aroma and flavor. Then, carefully pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. This slow warmth is key to developing that velvety Alfredo base without curdling the cream.
Step 2: Cheese and Seasonings
Once your cream mixture is gently simmering, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened, luscious enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step is where your sauce transforms from simple dairy to the rich, cheesy heart of the dish.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Next, fold in the cooked chicken breast pieces, allowing the meat to soak up the creamy mixture. This infusion ensures every bite delivers tender chicken wrapped in an indulgent blanket of Alfredo sauce. It also spreads the protein evenly, making the bake satisfyingly hearty.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta and Cheese
In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta with your creamy chicken Alfredo sauce. Then, stir in one cup of shredded mozzarella, which introduces that irresistible gooey factor before baking. The pasta should be well-coated, creating a unified, creamy layer that’s pure comfort on a plate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, leveling it out gently. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, watching as the top bubbles up and turns a delicious golden brown. Letting it rest for five minutes after baking is essential—it helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the perfect finishing touch for this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. Not only does it add a pop of vibrant green color, but it also offers a fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness, balancing out every cheesy bite with a hint of garden-fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
The creamy, rich nature of this bake pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette, steamed or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a slice of crusty garlic bread are all fantastic options. These sides add texture and freshness, making your meal both complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, consider serving the Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe family-style in the baking dish so everyone can dig right in. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins pre-baking for personalized servings that look fancy but are just as easy. Garnishing each plate with additional grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a lovely visual and flavor lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, making those leftovers just as good, if not better. To avoid the baked top becoming soggy, you can cover the dish securely while storing.
Freezing
If you want to prep this dish ahead of time, freezing works well. Assemble the bake but don’t bake it; cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as instructed. It’s a fantastic way to have a comforting meal ready to go on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, just be sure to stir halfway for even heating. Sometimes, adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred or cube the meat, and you’re ready to mix it into the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce calories and fat, though the sauce may be a bit less rich. Adding steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach also bulk up the dish without extra heaviness.
Can I use gluten-free pasta in this recipe?
Yes, gluten-free penne or other pasta shapes work perfectly, making the Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Just cook the pasta according to package instructions to avoid overcooking.
Can I prepare this recipe without an oven?
This recipe shines when baked, but you can make a stovetop version by combining the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce, then warming gently until bubbly. The top won’t have the golden crust, but the flavors will still delight.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Stir in steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach when combining the pasta with the sauce. They add color, nutrients, and texture, creating a well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is pure comfort in a dish, blending creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness into one unbeatable meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that warms your soul and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting main course dish perfect for family dinners. Made with tender cooked chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, it is baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this classic American casserole combines the creaminess of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with mozzarella’s gooey goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken Alfredo Bake Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add chicken: Incorporate the cooked chicken into the Alfredo sauce, stirring to coat the pieces evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix well.
- Assemble the bake: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the bake for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free diets.
