Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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A comforting classic, Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake combines tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. Topped with a golden crust of cheese and baked to perfection, it’s an ideal dish for family dinners or potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is the epitome of creamy comfort food. It combines the elegance of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of a pasta casserole. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare with pantry staples. Perfect for make-ahead meals or weeknight dinners, it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Rigatoni or penne pasta
Heavy cream
Butter
Fresh garlic
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until no longer pink.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until sauce thickens.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use different proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or rotisserie chicken.
Add vegetables: Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and thickener for the sauce.
Low-fat option: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream and reduce cheese quantities.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of cream or milk if the pasta seems dry.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for Alfredo bakes?

Rigatoni, penne, or ziti are excellent because they hold sauce well.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.

Is jarred Alfredo sauce okay to use?

Yes, for convenience, but homemade offers better flavor and control.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, assemble it without baking and freeze. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

How do I avoid the sauce becoming too thick?

Add a bit of reserved pasta water or milk to thin it out if necessary.

Can I add cheese to the Alfredo sauce?

Yes, Parmesan is standard, but you can also mix in Romano or Asiago.

What can I serve with it?

Pair it with garlic bread, Caesar salad, or steamed vegetables.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Use plant-based protein or simply skip the meat and add more vegetables.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Use a larger baking dish and increase all ingredients proportionally.

Is it okay to make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the richness of Alfredo sauce with the comfort of baked pasta. It’s adaptable, indulgent, and easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a reliable addition to your dinner rotation. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this dish never fails to impress.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

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A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake made with tender chicken, pasta, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, baked to golden perfection with melted cheese on top.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.