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
Scale
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.
