Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked in salted water according to package directions); 3 cups diced cooked chicken; 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; Cooking spray; 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)

If you’re craving a dish that’s cozy, indulgent, and easy enough for any weeknight, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I remember the first time I made this—it was one of those moments where everything just clicked. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne, it quickly became a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.
Crowd-Pleaser: This bake feeds a bunch and always gets compliments—great for family or friends.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s creamy, cheesy, and filling—the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug.
Easy to Customize: Whether you want to add veggies or swap proteins, this recipe is your canvas.

A white casserole dish filled with baked pasta, showing two visible layers: the bottom layer has golden baked pasta pieces mixed with small chunks of light-colored chicken, and the top layer is a thick, creamy white cheese sauce with browned spots and a slightly bubbly texture. The cheese sauce covers the pasta fully, sprinkled with small green parsley flakes for color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce that coats the pasta and chicken just right. I always recommend fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan cheese—they really make a difference here.

Penne pasta: Holds up well in the bake without getting mushy, making it ideal for this dish.
Cooked chicken: Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or cook it fresh—just dice it nicely for even distribution.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps to create a smooth roux with the flour.
Flour: The secret to thickening the sauce without lumps when whisked properly.
Minced garlic: Adds that subtle punch of flavor, just enough without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Whole milk: Provides creaminess without being too heavy—balances well with the cream.
Heavy cream: For that extra indulgent, silky sauce texture.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
Mozzarella cheese: Divided use means some melts inside the sauce and some golden goodness on top.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
Cooking spray: Keeps the bake from sticking to the dish and ensures easy serving.
Chopped parsley: A fresh, vibrant topping that adds a pleasant color contrast and slight herbal note.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Personally, I’ve tried a few fun versions that keep this dish exciting every time I make it.

Adding veggies: I sometimes toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to add texture and nutrients, which my family actually loves.
Using different protein: Swap chicken for shrimp or use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep—it works like a charm.
For a lighter version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, though the sauce won’t be as rich, but still delicious.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch; just adjust the whisking slightly.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Baking Dish

Start by cooking 12 ounces of penne pasta in salted boiling water following the package instructions. I always test a piece a minute or two before the suggested time so it comes out perfectly al dente—soft but with a slight bite. While that’s cooking, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks later on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s bubbly, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook it just for 30 seconds—you want the garlic fragrant but not browned or bitter. Then whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste.

Next, slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this to a gentle simmer—not a roar—because simmering thickens the sauce nicely without scorching it. Keep whisking until it just starts to thicken up, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.

Once thickened, stir in 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese fully melts, creating that silky, dreamy sauce we all love.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss 3 cups of diced cooked chicken together with your cooked penne pasta. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top, then gently stir everything together until every bite is coated in creamy goodness. At this stage, I always do a quick taste test—adding a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the pasta mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella evenly on top to get that gorgeous bubbly and golden crust. Bake it uncovered for about 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese gets those irresistible brown spots. When it’s done, sprinkle with a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for that nice pop of color and fresh flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking pasta just al dente helps it hold up in the oven without turning mushy.
Constant Whisking: I learned the hard way that whisking while simmering prevents lumps and creates a silky sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can be dry and won’t melt the same way fresh parmesan does.
Watch the Bake Time: I recommend checking after 18 minutes to avoid over-browning the cheese on top.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

This image shows a white baking dish filled with baked pasta covered in melted cheese. The pasta underneath is yellow and tube-shaped, mostly hidden but visible in some spots. On top, there is a thick layer of creamy white cheese that is golden brown in places from baking. A woman's hand is lifting a serving of the pasta with cheese stretching from the dish, showing the gooey texture. Small green herbs are sprinkled over the top of the cheese for color contrast. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely color contrast and a slight fresh, herbal note that brightens up the richness. Sometimes I also add a little extra cracked black pepper on top for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but I usually serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans. Garlic bread or a baguette is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners or potlucks, I like baking individual portions in small ramekins and topping each with a little extra mozzarella and parsley—everyone loves having their own personal dish. Another fun idea is layering with sliced tomatoes on top before baking for a slight tangy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the bake cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days—sometimes longer if well sealed.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake a couple of times with great results. To freeze, assemble everything but don’t bake, cover tightly with foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

Reheating leftovers is best done in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep things even.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne is great because it holds sauce well, you can swap in other sturdy shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time so the pasta stays al dente before baking.
How do I make the sauce creamier without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat milk mixed with a little extra butter to add richness. Another option is to stir in some cream cheese or Greek yogurt for creaminess, though it will change the flavor slightly.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free milk (like oat or almond milk), a dairy-free butter substitute, and vegan cheese alternatives. You’ll want to thicken the sauce carefully using gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and watch the seasoning to maintain flavor.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken from the store?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken works great here and can save you a bunch of prep time. Just dice it up and toss it in with your pasta and sauce.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe turns out every single time—comforting, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s one of those dishes you can lean on when you want something tasty without a ton of fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to impress without keeping you in the kitchen all evening. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug served on a plate!