Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
A comforting classic, Chicken Alfredo Bake is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying pasta. It’s a go-to dish when you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn’t require much fuss. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or contributing to a potluck, this recipe will win everyone over with its rich flavors and luscious textures. With its easy preparation and familiar ingredients, this dish quickly becomes a comforting favorite for all occasions.
Ingredients Breakdown
This Chicken Alfredo Bake combines simple yet flavorful ingredients that create a rich, decadent dish. Penne pasta holds the creamy Alfredo sauce, with every bite capturing tender chicken, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan. Heavy cream and cream cheese form the velvety base of the sauce, while garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper add a well-balanced flavor. You can easily substitute pasta or cheeses based on preference, making this recipe versatile and customizable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Chicken Alfredo Bake is a straightforward process that involves just a few key steps:
First, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add your penne. Be sure to follow the package directions for al dente pasta. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and set it aside. This helps prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming too soft in the oven.
Next, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and whisk in the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. The trick to a smooth sauce is continuous stirring. Once the cream cheese is fully melted, add the garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and well blended. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly—usually 3-5 minutes.
With the pasta cooked and the sauce ready, it’s time to assemble the bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the Alfredo sauce and the cooked chicken. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated and the chicken is evenly distributed. Spread half of this mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and top it with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Then, layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top and finish it off with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, so the sauce can settle and thicken slightly.
Recipe Tips
To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, keep stirring the mixture while it simmers, and make sure the cream cheese is fully melted before adding other ingredients.
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper or freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley to the Alfredo sauce.
This dish can be made ahead of time by assembling everything in the baking dish, covering it with foil, and refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Bake pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
As for beverages, a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, offers a lovely contrast to the dish’s richness. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon works wonderfully to cleanse the palate between bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even bow-tie pasta will work well in this recipe.
How can I make this gluten-free or low-carb?
To make this gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. For a low-carb version, consider using spiralized zucchini or cauliflower in place of the pasta.
Can I freeze this Chicken Alfredo Bake?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After assembling, cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake from frozen, adding an additional 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
Variations and Add-Ins
There are countless ways to make this Chicken Alfredo Bake your own. For a burst of freshness, add spinach or kale to the Alfredo sauce before mixing with the pasta. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or even crispy bacon into the mix.
To turn up the heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzling the dish with hot sauce before serving. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the perfect canvas for personalization, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving, and don’t forget to have some extra Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.
With its creamy layers of Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese, this bake is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy it with your favorite sides and savor the comfort it brings.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
16 ounces penne pasta
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese
½ cup butter
1 pint heavy whipping cream (2 cups)
½ teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and smooth. Incorporate the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Keep whisking until the sauce is well blended. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta, then add the cooked chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture over this, and top it with the rest of the mozzarella and the ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup butter
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream 2 cups
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until everything is fully melted and smooth. Incorporate the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the mixture. Keep whisking until the sauce is well blended. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta, then add the cooked chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Layer the remaining pasta mixture over this, and top it with the rest of the mozzarella and the ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbling.