The first bubbles of cream hitting tender chicken in a hot skillet always make my heart skip. This Chicken Alfredo Bake transforms that beloved restaurant classic into pure comfort food magic. It’s been trending on Pinterest for good reason.
Think silky alfredo sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken, then baked until golden and bubbly. This casserole uses simple pantry staples but delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s like your favorite Italian spot, but cozier and right from your own oven. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been tweaking herb blends in baked pasta dishes for years, and this one finally cracked the code. The secret is layering fresh thyme with just a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce. I tested it on three different families before sharing. You’ll love the aromatic surprise!
PrintChicken Alfredo Bake Recipe Comforting and Delicious
This chicken alfredo bake is a creamy chicken alfredo casserole that combines tender chicken with penne and a rich Alfredo sauce. Perfect as a baked chicken alfredo pasta dish, it makes a comforting meal popular in many homes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Standard
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
- Heat your oven to 375 degrees and lightly spray a 3 quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the garlic, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to form a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, stirring constantly and letting the sauce simmer until it thickens.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and season with salt and pepper until the cheese melts completely.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in a large bowl then pour the creamy sauce over and toss gently to coat everything well.
- Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the mixture bubbles and the cheese turns lightly golden.
- Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top and serve immediately.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Nutrition
- Calories: 644kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 569mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Why This Chicken Alfredo Bake Will Become Your New Favorite
There’s something magical about watching golden mozzarella bubble over tender pasta and chicken. This Chicken Alfredo Bake delivers all those cozy restaurant vibes without the fuss of stovetop stirring. The beauty lies in how the oven does most of the work while you relax.
What sets this dish apart is the sauce technique – whisking flour into melted butter creates a silky base that never breaks or curdles. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream strikes the perfect balance between richness and comfort. Plus, using penne instead of fettuccine means every bite holds onto that creamy goodness.
- Make-ahead friendly: Assemble in the morning, bake when ready
- Crowd pleaser: Serves 6 generously with minimal prep stress
- Ingredient flexibility: Works beautifully with rotisserie chicken
Breaking Down Your Ingredients Like a Pro
The magic starts with understanding how each component plays its part. Your penne pasta acts as the perfect sauce catcher – those tube shapes grab every bit of creamy goodness. Meanwhile, the diced cooked chicken becomes tender and flavorful as it bakes nestled in that rich Alfredo embrace.
The sauce foundation relies on a classic roux made from butter and flour, enhanced with minced garlic for depth. Whole milk provides creaminess without overwhelming richness, while heavy cream adds that luxurious mouthfeel. The parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the base, and dividing the mozzarella ensures both a creamy interior and a golden top.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | Holds sauce perfectly | Cook 1 minute under package time |
| Heavy cream + milk | Balanced richness | Room temperature prevents curdling |
| Mozzarella (divided) | Creamy + golden finish | Save half for perfect browning |
| Fresh parsley | Bright color contrast | Chop right before serving |
Step-by-Step Magic in Your Kitchen
The beauty of this creamy chicken Alfredo casserole lies in its straightforward assembly. Start by preheating your oven and prepping that baking dish with cooking spray – trust me, cleanup will thank you later. The sauce comes together in one pan, creating a silky foundation that coats everything perfectly.
Building your roux with butter, garlic, and flour creates the base for a sauce that never separates. Whisking constantly while adding the milk and cream ensures smoothness. Once the cheeses melt in, you’ll have a sauce that’s restaurant-quality rich but completely doable at home.
- Timing tip: Let the sauce simmer gently – rushing leads to lumps
- Assembly trick: Toss pasta and chicken in a large bowl for even coating
- Finishing touch: That final sprinkle of mozzarella creates the perfect golden top
Troubleshooting Common Kitchen Hiccups
Even experienced cooks sometimes face sauce challenges, and I’ve learned a few tricks over the years. If your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a splash of milk while it’s still warm. Too thin? Let it simmer an extra minute or two – the flour will work its thickening magic.
Lumpy sauce usually means the heat was too high or the milk was too cold. Strain it through a fine mesh if needed, then return to gentle heat. For the pasta, slightly undercooking prevents mushiness since it continues cooking in the oven.
| Problem | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Sauce too thick | Whisk in warm milk gradually |
| Sauce separated | Remove from heat, whisk vigorously |
| Pasta overcooked | Reduce baking time by 5 minutes |
| Top not golden | Broil final 2-3 minutes |
Creative Twists and Serving Suggestions
This base recipe welcomes creativity beautifully. Swap the penne for rigatoni or even bow-tie pasta – any shape that holds sauce well works perfectly. Rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover grilled chicken adds wonderful smoky notes to the dish.
For serving, a simple side salad with crisp greens balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread feels almost mandatory, but roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrition. The fresh parsley isn’t just garnish – it brightens each bite with a pop of herbal freshness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Magic
This casserole actually improves overnight as flavors meld together. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze portions for up to three months. For reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Make-ahead assembly is a game-changer for busy weeks. Prepare everything through step 6, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3 days | Add milk splash, cover with foil |
| Frozen (assembled) | 3 months | Thaw overnight, add 10 minutes baking |
| Individual portions | 3 months frozen | Microwave with damp paper towel |
Expert Says
When preparing a chicken Alfredo bake, using a mix of cheeses can enhance both flavor and texture. Combining sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella leads to a rich, gooey consistency that complements the seasoned chicken, making your dish not just comforting but also deliciously indulgent.
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The Art of Perfecting My Chicken Alfredo Bake
After several attempts at mastering a creamy chicken Alfredo bake, I finally found the magic balance of flavors. I still chuckle at the time I used way too much garlic – my family affectionately dubbed it ‘Chicken Vampire Bake.’ Now it’s a comforting blend of tender chicken, pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for cozy nights together.
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 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.
A Comforting Classic That Always Delivers
This Chicken Alfredo Bake comes together in just 45 minutes and delivers that perfect golden-bubbled top every single time. You’ll love how the creamy sauce stays silky while the pasta holds its tender bite. The aroma of garlic and melted cheese filling your kitchen feels like pure comfort magic.
For a fun twist, try stirring in sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach before baking – both add gorgeous color and extra flavor layers. Leftover portions reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to restore that creamy texture. Here’s a trick I learned from testing countless casseroles: letting it rest five minutes before serving makes all the difference for clean, perfect slices.
I’d love to see your golden, bubbly creations! Share your photos and tell me – do you have a favorite family casserole that brings everyone to the table? This recipe is perfect for making extra to share with neighbors or tucking away for those busy weeknight dinners when comfort food calls.
