Description
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole featuring tender cooked chicken and penne pasta smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd with its satisfying flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Alfredo Bake 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce Base: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant without browning. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated parmesan and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and diced cooked chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the pasta is bubbly and the cheese on top has started to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh touch, and serve warm.
Notes
- This chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish perfect for easy weeknight dinners or feeding guests.
- Use cooked chicken: rotisserie chicken works great to save time.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; combine before baking.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese quantities.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 644 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 569 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
