Description
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food made with tender chicken, pasta, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy baked chicken pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta Bake
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast – Shredded or cubed.
- 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
- 2 cups heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk – Balances the creaminess.
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Adds authentic Alfredo flavor.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For a perfectly gooey topping.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened – Makes the sauce extra creamy.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds herbal flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh spinach
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
- Chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, then stir in heavy cream, milk, and cream cheese.
- Add Parmesan cheese and seasonings, whisking until the Alfredo sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Fold in optional vegetables if using.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden, then broil for 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley and Parmesan, and serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy while baking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan creates the smoothest and most flavorful Alfredo sauce.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 servings
- Calories: 620 calories
