If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious casserole, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe will quickly become your new go-to meal. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce that bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just indulge in a cozy dinner, this dish hits all the right notes with its luscious cheeses, garlicky warmth, and satisfying textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy dairy to the savory chicken, creating a balanced, flavorful dish that feels both indulgent and homey.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and offers the perfect bite-sized shape for easy serving.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced: Adds hearty protein and a satisfying texture that complements the pasta.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for the Alfredo sauce, adding richness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a creamy, smooth consistency.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a subtle, aromatic flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- 2 cups whole milk: A key to achieving that silky, creamy sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness, making every bite decadently smooth.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that’s quintessential to Alfredo’s signature taste.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts to gooey perfection, creating a bubbly, golden topping and creamy inner layers.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh finish that makes every serving pop visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready while you prep the dish. Grease a 3-quart baking dish—this little step ensures your beautiful creation won’t stick and is easy to serve once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne pasta in salted water until just al dente—you want it to have a little bite since it will continue cooking in the oven. Then, drain and set aside. This is the foundation for your bake and pivotal for the perfect texture.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic, letting it sauté for 30 seconds to release its glorious fragrance. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens beautifully. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and half a cup of mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and your dreamy Alfredo sauce until everything is luxuriously coated. This mixture is what turns simple ingredients into a sumptuous, comforting dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your Alfredo-coated pasta and chicken into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top to create that irresistible cheese blanket. Bake for 20 minutes, letting the cheese melt and bubble to perfection. For an extra special golden crust, broil it for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot bake to add a vibrant splash of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and prepare for compliments on this creamy, cheesy, house-favorite recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can also add a silky finish that complements the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Alfredo Bake pairs wonderfully with crisp, green side salads for balance. Think simple arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a fresh Caesar salad. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also provide great color and texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, bake it in a shallow glass dish so everyone can admire the oozy melted cheese and golden top. For gatherings, consider scooping the bake into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets to serve personal portions that look as special as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chicken Alfredo Bake cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick reheats and still tastes wonderfully creamy and comforting after a day or two.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. To retain creaminess, cover the dish with foil during reheating and remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the cheesy crust. Microwaving works too but may make the dish a bit less creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne is great for holding the sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, or shells are fantastic alternatives thanks to their shape and texture.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
If heavy cream isn’t on hand, you can substitute with additional whole milk and some cream cheese or a bit of sour cream for richness, though the sauce won’t be quite as velvety.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to maintain the heartiness and flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, try using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese slightly, and opt for grilled chicken breast without extra added fats.
Can I prepare the entire Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect meal prep or dinner party time-saver.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe a try because it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with those you love. Once you taste that creamy sauce hugging tender chicken and pasta under a blanket of melted cheese, you’ll understand why this recipe earns a permanent spot in the recipe rotation!
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Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Bake featuring tender penne pasta, juicy cooked chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make baked casserole is perfect for a family dinner, combining classic Italian flavors in a hearty, cheesy dish.
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite but cooked through. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Simmer the mixture until it thickens, which should take a few minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and half a cup of the shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and Alfredo sauce until everything is fully coated and evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. For an extra golden and slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken if short on time.
- Use low-fat milk and cream to lower calories if desired, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding steamed broccoli or spinach before baking can increase the vegetable content.
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked, as it will cook further in the oven.
- Broil carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping.
