If you have ever dreamed of a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a heavenly homemade Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection, this dish delivers rich flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that turns simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. Every component is easy to find, yet together they combine to make a deeply satisfying dish.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Cooked al dente to provide the perfect base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and keeps every bite satisfying.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for crafting the roux and adding richness to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons flour: The magic thickener that gives the Alfredo sauce its silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a savory depth without overpowering.
- 2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and keeps the sauce light yet luscious.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s richness for that luxurious Alfredo feel.
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese: A sharp, nutty cheese that melts into the sauce for classic flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use): Melts beautifully for gooey, bubbly topping and creaminess inside.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances the flavors perfectly so nothing tastes bland.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps clean-up without extra oil.
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and vibrant color for a pretty finish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coating a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. This step ensures your bake will cook evenly without sticking, setting the stage for a smooth process.
Step 2: Create the Roux Base
In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning. Whisk in the flour and keep stirring for 1 minute. This roux is the backbone of your sauce, providing that dreamy thickness everyone loves.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. The sauce will begin to thicken as it simmers, turning velvety smooth—this is when you know you’re on the right track to Alfredo perfection.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses and Season
Mix in the parmesan cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the layers of flavor. Stir until the cheeses melt completely, turning the sauce into the rich, cheesy dream center of this bake.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
In a large bowl, toss your cooked penne pasta with the diced chicken. Pour the luscious Alfredo sauce over the top and gently mix until every piece is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Pop it into the oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese on top is just starting to turn golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly complements the rich flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley or finely grated parmesan cheese on top adds an inviting visual appeal while enhancing the dish’s flavors with subtle, fresh notes. Feel free to add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
This creamy, cheesy bake pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a Caesar or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide much-needed texture contrast and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a herb sprig for a restaurant-style touch. You can also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs over the top before baking for an irresistible crunchy layer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save it for later, this bake freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container before baking. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but the oven will keep the cheesy topping deliciously melty and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is classic for its tubular shape that holds sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use both milk and heavy cream?
Using both creates the perfect balance of creaminess without being too heavy or too watery. Milk adds lightness, while heavy cream gives that indulgently rich texture essential for Alfredo sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to keep it hearty and delicious.
How can I make my Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe healthier?
Try using part-skim mozzarella and substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also add extra vegetables or use whole wheat pasta for more fiber.
What is the best way to dice the chicken for this dish?
Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized, evenly sized cubes so they distribute nicely and every forkful has perfect amounts of chicken and pasta coated in sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is one of those comforting classics that never fails to impress with its creamy texture and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish brings everyone to the table with smiles. Give it a try and enjoy every indulgent, cozy bite!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Bake featuring tender penne pasta and diced cooked chicken smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley. This easy oven-baked casserole is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked in salted water according to package directions)
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the Roux: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring constantly until the Alfredo sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta and diced cooked chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over them and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the pasta bake is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and starting to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- This recipe can be prepared up to the assembly step and refrigerated a day in advance; just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use reduced-fat cheese; however, this may slightly change the creaminess.
