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
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
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.
