Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce baked to bubbly perfection with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It makes a perfect family dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying, with options to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to fully coat it in the Alfredo sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until evenly distributed.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the bake for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
