Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe: Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy pasta dishes have a magical way of bringing comfort to any dinner table, especially when this chicken alfredo bake recipe emerges from the oven bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces in a mouthwatering blend of flavors.

Every forkful promises a delightful experience that satisfies deep hunger and culinary cravings.

The golden-brown cheese topping adds a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, luxurious sauce underneath.

Weeknight meals rarely get this delicious without complex preparation.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing dish with just a few simple ingredients.

Chicken Alfredo Bake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta

Boil your pasta until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Choose a fun pasta shape like penne or rotini for extra excitement.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and toss in minced garlic, letting it sizzle and release its aromatic goodness.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Sauce

Add to the skillet:
  • Cooked chicken pieces
  • Creamy Alfredo sauce

Stir everything together until the chicken is completely coated and glistening.

Step 5: Build The Casserole

Transfer the pasta into the sauce mixture, mixing thoroughly to ensure every noodle gets some love.

Pour this delightful combination into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle generously over the top:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Creating a beautiful blanket of melty goodness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and start bubbling with irresistible promise.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your incredible meal!

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Bakes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and juicy meat in your bake.
  • If the Alfredo sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
  • Undercook the pasta slightly during initial boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
  • Mix some Parmesan into the sauce and sprinkle extra on top for a crispy, golden cheese crust that adds depth of flavor.
  • Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick to elevate the dish.

Alfredo Bake Variations to Try

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free Alfredo sauce to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Alfredo Bake: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with flavor and nutrients.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the creamy Alfredo essence.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use cashew cream or coconut milk-based Alfredo sauce and replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives for those avoiding dairy products.

Plating Chicken Alfredo Bake

  • Party Platter Perfection: Slice the chicken Alfredo bake into neat squares and arrange on a large wooden board with extra parsley sprigs for a stunning appetizer spread at gatherings.
  • Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and create a complete family dinner experience.
  • Wine & Dine Pairing: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which beautifully cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Finish Touch: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for guests who enjoy a subtle kick of heat, adding an extra layer of excitement to this classic comfort food.

Storing Chicken Alfredo Bake Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh parsley garnish.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of milk to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to prevent cheese from burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this chicken Alfredo bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work great in this recipe. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a nice texture.

  • What if I don't have pre-cooked chicken?

Easily solve this by quickly pan-frying chicken breasts or using rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Season the chicken with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Cheesy, Creamy, Chicken Alfredo Bake Bliss

  • Quick Family Feast: Whip up this crowd-pleasing chicken Alfredo bake that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dinner everyone will love.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Combine pre-cooked chicken, store-bought sauce, and pasta for a streamlined meal that saves precious kitchen time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in a rich, creamy dish loaded with melted mozzarella and Parmesan that creates irresistible golden, bubbly goodness on top.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal with minimal cleanup, as this recipe uses just a skillet and baking dish to create a satisfying dinner solution.

Chicken Alfredo Bake Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and cooked chicken provides the primary protein source for this comforting dish.
Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty foundation that absorbs the creamy sauce and adds satisfying texture.
Sauce and Cheese Components:
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that brings rich and smooth flavor to the chicken pasta bake.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a golden, melty top layer with a delicious cheesy finish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic: Add depth of flavor and aromatic base to the chicken and sauce mixture.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright and colorful finishing touch to the dish.
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Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting chicken alfredo bake brings Italian-style creamy pasta magic straight to dinner tables with cheesy, hearty layers. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken create a classic comfort meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 cups chicken, shredded or diced

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the creamy chicken ensemble.
  2. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain thoroughly.
  3. Sizzle minced garlic in olive oil, releasing its aromatic essence in a large skillet.
  4. Fold cooked chicken into the fragrant garlic base, creating a flavorful foundation.
  5. Pour Alfredo sauce into the skillet, gently blending with chicken to create a luxurious coating.
  6. Incorporate the drained pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring every strand is lavishly dressed.
  7. Transfer the decadent pasta blend into a generously greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Lavishly sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a golden blanket.
  9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden crust.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for a few moments, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
  11. Serve immediately, revealing the rich, creamy layers of this comforting chicken Alfredo bake.

Notes

  • Enhance the dish’s richness by using homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought for deeper flavor complexity.
  • Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra texture to the bake.
  • Customize the recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to boost nutritional value and create more interesting flavor layers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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