Short Description
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with melted cheese. This dish is a delightful twist on the classic Alfredo, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Family Favorite: The creamy sauce and cheesy topping make it a hit among both kids and adults.
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Versatile: Easily customizable with your choice of pasta, vegetables, or additional seasonings.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready for a convenient meal option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 ounces penne pasta
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3 tablespoons butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnishAllrecipes+2Reddit+2I Am Homesteader+2AllrecipesDinner at the Zoo+1I Am Homesteader+1
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.Allrecipes+1Allrecipes+1
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Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until no longer pink and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
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Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutesmomontimeout.com+20alittlefishinthekitchen.com+20Allrecipes+20Life In The Lofthouse+9Reddit+9Dinner at the Zoo+9
Variations
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Vegetable Addition: Incorporate steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
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Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or turkey for a different protein option.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a hint of heat.
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Cheese Variety: Mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique taste.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat until hot.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce can be used as a time-saving alternative.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is commonly used, but other short pasta like rotini or rigatoni can also be suitable.Dinner at the Zoo
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers can enhance the nutritional value.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food — featuring juicy chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a creamy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Sauce:
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12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
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3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping:
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish:
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Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). -
Cook the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add cubed chicken, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté until fully cooked and golden brown. -
Combine and Layer:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, cooked chicken, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Transfer to a greased baking dish. -
Top and Bake:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. -
Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
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Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
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Make it ahead and refrigerate before baking (increase bake time by 10 minutes if cold).
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