If you are craving a comforting dish that hits all the right notes of creamy, cheesy, and hearty, the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce that bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite, delivering warmth and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor, creamy texture, and appealing color. Each component plays its part, from the sharp Parmesan cheese to the tender chicken, ensuring the final dish is a crowd-pleasing stunner.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: These pasta shapes hold sauce beautifully and provide a great bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: Adds hearty protein and makes the bake filling.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The secret to a luxuriously smooth and velvety sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce slightly while maintaining creaminess.
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melts beautifully for gooey cheesiness on top and throughout.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic herby notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just a hint of subtle heat.
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds a pop of vibrant color and slight sweetness.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Brings fresh green color and brightness to the final presentation.
How to Make Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will ensure your cheesy bake doesn’t stick and will brown evenly in the oven, setting you up for a perfect finish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente — meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain it well so it’s ready to absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant, which should take about a minute; don’t let it brown or it will become bitter. Next, stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture gently to a simmer. The creaminess is starting here!
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. This cheesy sauce is the star that binds all the flavors together.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Chicken
Toss the cooked pasta and diced chicken into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, adding frozen peas if you like a fresh pop of green and sweetness. Stir everything carefully until all the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the saucy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese topping turns beautifully golden. Let it rest for five minutes before serving—it helps everything settle and the flavors meld wonderfully.
How to Serve Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of bright green color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness of this dish perfectly. If you want an extra layer of flavor, some cracked black pepper on top just before serving also works beautifully.
Side Dishes
Because this bake is so rich and filling, light and crisp sides pair best. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make fantastic companions. Garlic bread is always a winner if you want to go indulgent!
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins, baked until golden and bubbly right in the dish. You can also turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by filling halved peppers with warmed-up bake—adding a colorful presentation twist that’s just as delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling the bake to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld during this time, making for some seriously tasty next-day meals.
Freezing
You can also freeze portions of this bake for up to two months. Just wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to avoid drying out the creamy sauce. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works well too—just cover loosely to keep moisture and stir halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great for holding sauce, but fusilli or rigatoni also work wonderfully in this bake. Stick to pasta shapes that have ridges or holes to trap the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to keep it hearty and flavorful without meat.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the cream and milk mixture for 2 to 3 extra minutes before adding the pasta. This will allow more liquid to evaporate and create a richer texture.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and adds great flavor. Just dice or shred it and add directly to the sauce mixture before baking.
What are some ways to add extra flavor?
Try adding cooked bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, or freshly chopped basil for extra taste layers. A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can also add a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about a warm, cheesy, creamy dish like the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. It’s not only comforting but remarkably straightforward to make, ensuring amazing results even on busy nights. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s sure to become a go-to favorite that brings smiles to your dinner table time and time again!
Print
Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
Description
This Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a golden mozzarella topping. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it combines penne pasta with a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. Optional peas add a touch of color and freshness, while a sprinkle of parsley on top finishes off this crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
pasta and chicken
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
sauce and seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Make Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and peas: Add the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, and frozen peas (if using) to the sauce, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes into the pasta mixture before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and time-saving.
- If you prefer a thicker Alfredo sauce, simmer it an additional 2 to 3 minutes before adding the pasta.
