Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and homemade Alfredo sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta – holds the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced – adds protein and texture
- 4 tbsp butter – base for the Alfredo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – adds rich, aromatic flavor
- 2 cups heavy cream – creates a silky, creamy sauce
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese – adds nutty, salty depth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – melts beautifully on top
- ½ tsp salt – balances the flavors
- ¼ tsp black pepper – enhances the overall taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley – for garnish and freshness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, then stir in cooked chicken pieces.
- Combine the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce mixture in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream.
- Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months; thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Bake, creamy pasta, baked chicken pasta, cheesy casserole, Alfredo pasta bake, comfort food