The Creamiest Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a creamy chicken Alfredo bake brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Layers of tender pasta and succulent chicken create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets each bite with irresistible richness.

Weeknight meals demand something special, and this dish delivers pure satisfaction.

Parmesan and herbs add delightful depth to every forkful.

Busy home cooks will adore how quickly this casserole comes together.

Dive into a meal that promises to become your new favorite family classic.

Chicken Alfredo Bake: Creamy and Comforting

• Whip Up Comfort Quickly: This chicken Alfredo bake transforms classic pasta into a hassle-free, one-dish wonder that comes together faster than traditional multi-step recipes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and melted mozzarella create an irresistible combination that satisfies both kids and adults with minimal cooking skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add vegetables to make this versatile dish match your personal taste and dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Stress-Free Entertaining: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, or weeknight meals, this recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it a go-to meal for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Bake

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the creamy pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate that serves as the main body of the baked dish.

• Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A rich and luxurious combination that creates a smooth, velvety Alfredo sauce with deep cheese flavor.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Nutmeg: Essential flavor enhancers that add depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, golden-brown crust that adds extra richness and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Contribute to the cooking process and help develop flavor and texture.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Get your pasta cooking according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Once done, drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken.

Cook until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Chop the chicken into bite-sized cubes and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

Grab a large saucepan and melt butter.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Cream cheese

Whisk everything together until smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and a pinch of nutmeg.

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Mix the cooked pasta, golden chicken, and luxurious Alfredo sauce.

Transfer this delightful mixture to a greased baking dish.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top.

Serve hot and get ready for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake

• Choose short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce coverage and easier eating.
• Let chicken rest after cooking to retain moisture, ensuring tender and juicy meat in the final dish.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water if too thick or simmering longer if too thin for ideal consistency.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without compromising creamy texture.
• Add red pepper flakes or extra garlic for a bolder taste that elevates the classic Alfredo experience.

Variations to Customize Chicken Alfredo Bake

• Vegetarian Alfredo Bake: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or portobello mushrooms, using the same seasoning method for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Carb Chicken Alfredo: Substitute pasta with spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice, keeping the creamy sauce and protein intact.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Bake

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty chicken Alfredo bake directly from the baking dish for a warm, inviting family-style meal that encourages sharing and connection.
• Gourmet Side Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy dish.
• Elegant Bread Pairing: Accompany with toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and add a delightful crunchy texture to each bite.
• Wine Lover's Match: Complement the creamy chicken bake with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the dish's subtle flavors and create a restaurant-quality dining experience.

Storing Chicken Alfredo Bake Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain best quality and taste.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese top. Add splash of cream or milk if sauce seems dry.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this Chicken Alfredo Bake?

Fettuccine or penne are perfect choices as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide great texture.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken can save time and still deliver delicious results.

• Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, and adding extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutrition.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too runny?

Use full-fat dairy products, simmer the sauce until it thickens, and avoid adding extra liquid to maintain the right consistency.

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken alfredo bake merges classic Italian comfort with modern casserole techniques. Cheesy layers of pasta, tender chicken, and rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne, ziti, or rigatoni
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Elevate the oven temperature to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for your culinary creation.
2. Navigate pasta preparation by cooking according to package guidelines until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. Activate a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, seasoning chicken with salt and pepper, searing until golden and thoroughly cooked through. Transform chicken into uniform cubes and temporarily set aside.
4. Launch sauce preparation in a spacious saucepan by melting butter and introducing minced garlic, allowing aromatic notes to permeate the kitchen.
5. Incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking consistently to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Enhance sauce complexity by introducing Italian seasoning and a whisper of nutmeg, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until visibly thickened.
7. Orchestrate the dish’s assembly by gently combining cooked pasta, prepared chicken, and luxurious Alfredo sauce in a generously greased baking dish.
8. Crown the mixture with a lavish layer of shredded mozzarella, creating a tempting cheese blanket.
9. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
10. Conclude by adorning with freshly chopped parsley or basil, serving immediately to capture peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Customize protein options by swapping chicken for turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary needs.
• Create a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing cheese quantities to cut calories.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by cooking chicken and pasta ahead of time, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers to boost nutritional value and introduce vibrant colors and textures.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg