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
Scale
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.
