Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy to Make
Nothing beats the warm, creamy goodness of a homemade Chicken Alfredo Bake. Imagine tender chunks of seasoned chicken layered over al dente pasta, all smothered in a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce and topped with gooey, golden-brown cheese. It is a dish that brings comfort to the table and smiles to every face around it.
Many families crave a filling, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require standing over a stove for hours. That’s exactly where this recipe shines. Chicken Alfredo Bake is perfect for weeknights when you need something hearty but simple to prepare. It is also a great option for entertaining, meal prepping, or just spoiling yourself with a plate of creamy indulgence.
You don’t need to be a chef to master this one. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a straightforward pasta dish or an experienced cook adding another cozy recipe to your rotation, this Chicken Alfredo Bake promises flavor and ease in every bite. Let’s walk through how to make this cheesy, creamy delight from scratch.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s everything required to make this comforting classic, broken down with approximate calorie counts for better meal planning.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast (cubed) | 2 cups | 330 |
| Penne pasta | 12 ounces | 1260 |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | 400 |
| Heavy cream | 2 cups | 1600 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1 ½ cups | 660 |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups | 640 |
| Salt | To taste | 0 |
| Black pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | For garnish | 5 |
Total calories (approximate for the whole dish): 5035
Calories per serving (based on 6 servings): ~839
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
Set your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Cook the pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not overcook, as the pasta will continue baking later.
3. Make the Alfredo sauce
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
4. Add cheese and seasoning
Reduce heat to low. Slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Mix the base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
6. Assemble the bake
Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
7. Bake to perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. The cheese should melt and become golden around the edges. If you like it then must enjoy with Chicken Alfredo pizza
8. Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Every kitchen is different, and this recipe is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
Nutritional Information
This dish is rich and satisfying, and it brings plenty of calories along with that creamy flavor. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving (estimated for 6 servings):
Please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Alfredo Bake is filling enough to be a standalone dish, but it pairs beautifully with several sides. Try these ideas:
Leftovers? They reheat wonderfully. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep things creamy.
Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy to Make
Course: Blog6
servings15
minutes25
minutes839
kcalIngredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed)
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Lower the heat, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are coated with sauce.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
Recipe Video
Notes
- To save time, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken or store-bought cooked chicken. For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat cheese. This dish can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking—perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish right up until baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake it uncovered as instructed, adding a few extra minutes.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes. Assemble the bake, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk with a bit of flour, or even a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Sure. Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Parmesan and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?
This usually happens if the cheese was added too quickly or over high heat. Always lower the heat and whisk the cheese in slowly for a smooth result.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Bake is the kind of meal that gathers everyone around the table with excitement. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in all the right ways. While the ingredients are simple, the flavors are anything but. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a comforting dish after a long day, this recipe hits the mark.
It is a meal that welcomes creativity, allowing you to add your own touches and make it a staple in your weekly rotation. So next time you’re looking for something warm and hearty, pull out this Chicken Alfredo Bake. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens.
