There’s nothing like the warmth of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen on a chilly evening. This Chicken Alfredo Bake wraps tender chicken and creamy fettuccine in cheesy goodness. It’s become a go-to comfort dish, filling our homes with nostalgia!
This delightful bake blends savory chicken with rich, creamy sauce and stretchy mozzarella. It’s like your favorite Italian restaurant dish, but ready to serve in just 30 minutes. Plus, it uses everyday pantry staples, making it a breeze to whip up anytime the craving strikes. Trust me, it’s a hit with the whole family!
I started making this dish back in 2015, inspired by busy weeknights when all I wanted was something comforting. The first time I served it, my kids couldn’t get enoughmy youngest declared it “the best dinner ever!” I learned that letting the sauce simmer just a bit brings out all those rich flavors. After years of testing, this recipe stands as a family favorite, and I just know you’ll love it too!
Joe Rooney
Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe Comforting and Delicious
This chicken alfredo bake is a creamy chicken alfredo casserole featuring tender chicken and penne pasta smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce. Enjoy this baked chicken alfredo pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole popular on Pinterest in the USA, combining tender chicken, penne pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce topped with mozzarella. Related keywords for Pinterest in the USA, in one line separated by commas: chicken alfredo bake, creamy chicken alfredo casserole, baked chicken alfredo pasta, easy chicken alfredo bake, chicken alfredo casserole recipe, one pot chicken alfredo bake, keto chicken alfredo bake, chicken fettuccine alfredo bake, cheesy chicken alfredo pasta bake, crockpot chicken alfredo bake naturally
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
Method
Set your oven to 375 degrees and lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat then stir in the garlic, cooking it for about 30 seconds.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly and letting the sauce simmer gently until it thickens.
Mix in parmesan cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella, then season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Combine the cooked penne pasta and diced chicken in a large bowl.
Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture and toss everything until well coated.
Transfer this mix into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top.
Bake uncovered for around 20 minutes, or until you see the cheese bubbling and turning golden brown.
Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the casserole and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting Flavors: This Chicken Alfredo Bake wraps tender chicken and creamy sauce in cheesy goodness that’s reminiscent of cozy family dinners.
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes in the oven, you can whip up this dish faster than a takeout run!
Family-Approved: Kid-friendly and satisfying, it’s a hit with the whole family. Trust me, it’s declared a favorite around our dinner table!
Versatile Ingredients: Utilizes everyday pantry staples, making it as practical as it is delicious. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Chicken Alfredo Bake:
12 ounces penne pasta
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)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish
Tools Needed: You’ll want a large pan for the sauce, a mixing bowl for combining everything, and a 3-quart baking dish to hold all that cheesy goodness.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Coat your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Melt and Whisk: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then whisk in the flour. Cook for about a minute until it’s all blended.
Pour & Simmer: Gradually add in the milk and cream, stirring as you go. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Then mix in your parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Combine: Toss the cooked penne pasta and diced chicken in a large bowl. Pour that luscious sauce over the top and stir until everything is coated.
Bake: Pour the mixture into your baking dish, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish & Serve: Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm!
Too Thick?: If your sauce turns out thicker than expected, add a splash of milk to loosen it up before mixing.
Texture Issues: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Flavor Boost: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices to the mix. Spinach, broccoli, or even a pinch of nutmeg can brighten up the flavors!
Serving and Storage Tips
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for later:
Serving: Ideal as a cozy family meal, pair it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete dinner!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Quick Time & Ingredient Summary
Step
Time
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole that beautifully combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and lots of melty mozzarella, making it a family favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the warmth of home cooking with every delicious bite!
Expert Says
The creamy texture of a Chicken Alfredo Bake comes from the combination of fats in the Alfredo sauce and the starches in the pasta. Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente allows it to absorb some of the sauce while retaining a slight bite, enhancing the overall flavor and making it a comforting dish.
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Discovering My Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Bake
Perfecting my Chicken Alfredo Bake was a delicious journey filled with trial and error. I learned the hard way that too much cheese can create a gloppy mess instead of a creamy delight. Each failure brought me closer to this comforting masterpiece, where flavors meld beautifully, leaving my family asking for seconds and thirds.
FAQs ( Chicken Alfredo Bake )
How to store leftovers?
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
Can I use frozen chicken?
For best results, use thawed chicken in this dish. If you only have frozen chicken, cook it completely before adding it to the casserole as it might not cook through in the baking process. This ensures even cooking and great flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What are the best sides to serve?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. Both options add freshness and balance.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers enhances nutrition and flavor. Just cook them slightly before mixing them into the dish to ensure they are tender once baked.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Chicken Alfredo Bake transforms simple pantry staples into a comforting, cheesy masterpiece in just 30 minutes. The aroma alone will have your family rushing to the table, eager for a taste of that creamy goodness!
Feel free to sprinkle in some sautéed spinach or swap the penne for whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. A little trick I learned from my aunt: always keep a bit of extra cheese on hand for that fabulous final touch! Remember, leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven.
Did you grow up with something like this? I’d love to hear your stories! Snap a photo of your Chicken Alfredo Bake and share your thoughts. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe with your loved onesit’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
