Print

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a quick, easy, and comforting casserole combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked to a golden bubbly perfection. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, made with simple pantry staples, customizable with vegetables or cheese varieties, and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)

Cheese Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling on top

Optional Vegetables

  • 1 cup spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli (optional, for added nutrition and color)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Boil pasta in salted water just until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well. Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces for tender, even bites throughout the casserole.
  2. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.
  3. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked pasta and diced chicken together with the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. If using optional vegetables like spinach or broccoli, fold them in now for even distribution.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor than pre-shredded options.
  • Don’t overcook pasta before baking; slight undercooking prevents sogginess.
  • Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
  • For extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
  • Season in layers, tasting and adjusting seasoning at multiple stages for balanced flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, creamy chicken casserole, baked pasta dish, easy dinner recipe, one dish meal, comfort food