If you are craving a dish that wraps comforting creaminess, cheesy goodness, and tender chicken in one warm, flavorful meal, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Every forkful delivers that luscious homemade Alfredo sauce clinging perfectly to penne pasta and succulent seasoned chicken, all topped off with a golden, bubbly cheese crust that will have you digging in again and again. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe promises to be a go-to favorite that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish because each one plays a special role — from the tender pasta providing the perfect base, to the creamy sauce that brings it all together with richness and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Choose penne for its sturdy shape that holds sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced: Use leftover or freshly cooked chicken for tender, savory bites throughout the dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter: This starts your sauce with a rich, silky base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken your Alfredo sauce to that perfectly creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Adds a subtle aromatic kick without overpowering the delicate sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Balances creaminess with lightness in the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates your sauce to ultra-luxurious, silky smooth textures.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its signature nutty, sharp flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts into a gooey topping that’s golden and irresistible.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning each layer perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor finish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 3-quart baking dish so the finished bake will slide right out without a fuss. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente — this means it should still have a slight bite as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside carefully.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Next, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just enough to bring out its fragrance without letting it brown. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about a minute — this roux is what thickens the sauce beautifully. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture turns silky smooth and begins to thicken.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Season
Once your sauce has thickened to coat the back of a spoon, stir in the grated Parmesan along with half a cup of mozzarella cheese. Watch as the cheeses melt right into the sauce, creating that luscious Alfredo you crave. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked penne pasta and diced chicken into the creamy sauce until everything is evenly coated. This step ensures that each bite is bursting with cheesy, velvety flavor and tender chicken bits.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling delightfully. For a golden, slightly crispy finish, pop under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes — but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, quickly sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the top. Not only does this add a vibrant splash of color, but it introduces a fresh, herbal note that balances all that creamy richness perfectly. Serve warm and watch everyone fall in love bites at a time.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that brightens both the look and flavor of your Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. If you want to get a little adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for added richness and sheen.
Side Dishes
This dish shines all on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus makes the meal feel complete without competing with the bake’s rich flavors. Garlic bread is another lovely option to soak up every last bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and broil until bubbly and golden right before serving. This makes for a special presentation that feels personalized and extra comforting. Alternatively, garnish with edible flowers or fresh basil leaves instead of parsley to impress your guests with a vibrant, gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe can easily be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Refrigerating helps the flavors meld and makes for a delicious next-day meal—just be sure to warm it gently to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this bake freezes wonderfully. Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed — this is perfect for meal prep or busy nights.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, warm your leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the sauce silky and the cheese melty without drying it out. Microwaving is quick but can sometimes toughen the sauce, so if you’re short on time, cover your dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal here because it holds the sauce well, other sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini would work nicely without becoming mushy during baking.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with an extra cup of whole milk plus a tablespoon of butter for richness. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still creamy and delicious.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save time and add extra flavor. Just dice it up and fold it right into the pasta and sauce mixture before baking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients add hearty texture and complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an extra crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan along with the mozzarella before baking. Finish with broiling briefly to get that golden, crunchy crust everyone loves.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feel like a big cozy hug on a plate. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that everyone at your table will adore. Give it a try for your next dinner and enjoy how effortlessly it becomes a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole featuring tender diced chicken and penne pasta smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection. This comforting Italian-American dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
pasta and chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Alfredo sauce – sauté garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to brown it.
- Add flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture, then simmer the mixture until it thickens.
- Add cheeses and season: Stir in grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes creamy. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, and Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and evenly top with the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake and broil: Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden-brown crust, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Broil carefully and watch closely to prevent the cheese from burning.
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and cream, and reduce the cheese amount.
