Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate in creamy, cozy comfort food, Chicken Alfredo Bake is about to be your new weeknight go-to. This delicious pasta casserole brings together tender penne, juicy chicken, and a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce, all blanketed with gooey mozzarella for the perfect golden finish. It’s rich, satisfying, and genuinely crowd-pleasing—imagine all the best parts of classic fettuccine Alfredo delivered straight from the oven with easy, cheesy flair!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create a truly decadent Chicken Alfredo Bake. Each component plays a special part in achieving that signature creaminess, robust flavor, and inviting color that makes this dish so iconic and crave-worthy.

• 12 ounces penne pasta: Penne’s ridges catch the creamy sauce perfectly—feel free to use any similar pasta shape you love.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the garlic release its fragrance without burning.
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): Great way to use leftovers or grab a rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and convenience.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the base for your roux, setting up a silky Alfredo sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic sets up a savory, aromatic foundation—don’t skip it!
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to coat every bite of pasta.
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk: Essential for a creamy, smooth sauce—don’t substitute with low-fat here if you want ultra-coziness.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to ultra-luxurious, decadent Alfredo sauce.
• 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Brings incredible, nutty depth and traditional Alfredo tang.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to perk up every flavor in the bake.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and balance.
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Gives the bake a herby, cozy warmth and classic aroma.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: The key to that golden, bubbling top everyone loves.
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Freshens up the finished dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne according to the package directions until just al dente. You want the pasta to have a little bite left, since it’ll finish cooking in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you move on to the next steps—you’re already halfway to crave-worthy comfort!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then toss in the minced garlic. Give it a quick sauté for about a minute, just until it smells irresistible and fragrant. Be careful—garlic cooks fast! The goal is to infuse the oil without browning the garlic.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Stir the butter into the skillet with the garlic and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a pale golden roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid any lumps. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce has thickened just enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Now for the star flavor players! Stir the Parmesan cheese into your sauce, followed by the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Watch as the sauce transforms into a gorgeous, silky Alfredo that clings to every noodle. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want those herby, salty, nutty notes to really sing.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Alfredo

Add the shredded or cubed cooked chicken right into the pan, then follow with your cooked penne. Use a big spoon or spatula to fold everything together so the sauce evenly blankets every piece of pasta and chicken. This luscious mixture is the heart and soul of your Chicken Alfredo Bake!

Step 6: Layer and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spoon in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly edges and spots of golden cheese tell you it’s ready. Let it rest for 5 minutes after pulling from the oven—this helps the sauce set just enough for perfect servings.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake

Garnishes

Finishing your Chicken Alfredo Bake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan instantly elevates both taste and presentation. The parsley brings a bright, fresh contrast to all that rich, golden creaminess, while more cheese is always a welcome touch for Alfredo lovers. Try a drizzle of good olive oil for even more flavor!

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta bake pairs perfectly with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, classic garlic bread, or even roasted broccoli to add color and a healthy crunch. The creamy sauce loves something tangy or bright on the side, so keep it fresh but unfussy to let the Chicken Alfredo Bake shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon individual portions into ramekins or oven-safe bowls before baking for a lovely, personalized touch—great for dinner parties or cozy gatherings. You can also top each serving with broiled breadcrumbs for an extra-crunchy finish. Another playful idea: mix in some steamed broccoli or spinach just before baking for extra veggies and a burst of green!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Alfredo Bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the cooled baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect choice for meal prep or quick leftover lunches.

Freezing

This dish is fantastically freezer-friendly. Assemble the pasta and sauce mixture in a disposable or freezer-safe baking dish, top with cheese, and tightly wrap in two layers of foil before freezing. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy weeknight heat-and-eat meals.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For single portions, the microwave works well too—just sprinkle a little extra milk or cream on top before heating to keep everything creamy. Give everything a gentle stir halfway through reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic, any sturdy pasta—like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini—will hold up deliciously in this dish. Just cook your pasta until al dente to prevent it from getting mushy after baking.

What’s the best way to add vegetables to Chicken Alfredo Bake?

Vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even peas are fantastic additions. Simply stir them into the pasta and chicken mixture before baking. This adds texture, color, and makes the bake even more satisfying!

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the dish (just leave off the final cheese topping until right before baking), cover, and refrigerate up to one day ahead. When ready to eat, add the cheese and bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese in this recipe?

Pre-shredded cheese is convenient and works fine, but shredding your own mozzarella and Parmesan gives you a silkier, meltier sauce (and skips added anti-caking agents). Go with whatever makes life easier for you!

How can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake lighter?

If you’re looking to lighten things up, swap in half and half for the cream, use 2% milk instead of whole, or reduce the cheese slightly. You can also add a large handful of chopped spinach or a side of veggies to keep things balanced.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring this Chicken Alfredo Bake into your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but decadent enough for guests, and it never fails to satisfy both the pasta lovers and the cheese fanatics at the table. Give it a try, make it your own, and savor every creamy, golden forkful!

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