If you are craving a rich, comforting dinner that can satisfy a crowd or just your family, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is the perfect choice. Imagine tender penne pasta and juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, all topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese baked to golden perfection. This dish brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the hearty flavors of chicken and pasta—making every bite an absolute delight. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this irresistible Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients, but each plays a vital role in crafting that perfect flavor and texture balance. From the creamy sauce base to the gooey cheese topping, these staples come together effortlessly.
- Penne pasta (12 ounces): Holds the sauce beautifully with its tube-shaped form, making each bite satisfying.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, diced): Adds hearty protein and a tender texture that blends perfectly with the sauce.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for the Alfredo sauce, essential for that velvety mouthfeel.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce so it clings nicely to every piece of pasta and chicken.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with a gentle aromatic punch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Keeps the sauce creamy and smooth without overpowering richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Boosts the indulgence factor and gives the sauce a luscious thickness.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, grated): Delivers sharp, nutty flavor that defines true Alfredo sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Adds gooey cheese pull on top and creaminess inside the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Provides a burst of fresh color and a mild herbaceous note at the end.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. This step sets the foundation for the baked Alfredo to come out perfectly golden and bubbly.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until it reaches al dente — tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside so it’s ready to absorb the rich sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter and quickly sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce without clumps. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens up to a luscious consistency. Then fold in Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and celebratory of true Alfredo flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss your cooked pasta and diced chicken with the Alfredo sauce. Make sure every noodle is well-coated, and the chicken is tenderly wrapped in that creamy goodness. This step is where your dish truly starts to come together, marrying textures and flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, preparing it for a golden, bubbling crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese has melted completely. For that picture-perfect finish, turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe to add a pop of vibrant color and a fresh note that perfectly contrasts the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for garnishing this dish, adding a lively green touch and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracked black peppercorns for a little more flavor and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This creamy, indulgent Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The fresh sides cut through the richness of the bake, keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual dinner, serve this bake straight from the casserole and let everyone help themselves. If you want to wow guests, plate individual portions with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of parsley. You could also add a few sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms on top for an elegant twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to keep the creamy sauce and cheese from drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes, to maintain the melted cheese’s best texture. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, but be mindful that the topping may not stay as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding sauce, other pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini will work well. Just stick to shapes that can trap the sauce so every bite is flavorful.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach instead. The Alfredo sauce is rich and flavorful enough to carry the dish without meat.
How can I make the Alfredo sauce lighter?
To lighten the sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use whole milk only. Keep in mind this will make the sauce less rich but still creamy and tasty.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the Alfredo sauce.
What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?
Broiling for a few minutes at the end of baking is key. Watch it closely so the cheese melts and browns without burning, giving a delightful golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is truly a comforting classic that’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and irresistible cheesy topping, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Give it a try and enjoy every warm, cheesy bite—your loved ones will thank you for it!
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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
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Featuring tender penne pasta, diced chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella, this dish combines classic flavors into a baked delight with a golden, bubbly crust.
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.
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Make Sauce Creamy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella until the sauce turns creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, and Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Finish: For a golden and slightly crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes while closely monitoring to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Chicken Alfredo Bake warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the Alfredo sauce.
- Precook and dice the chicken ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.
