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
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
Instructions
- Elevate the oven temperature to 375F (190C), preparing a welcoming environment for your culinary creation.
- Navigate pasta preparation by cooking according to package guidelines until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and reserve.
- 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.
- Launch sauce preparation in a spacious saucepan by melting butter and introducing minced garlic, allowing aromatic notes to permeate the kitchen.
- Incorporate heavy cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking consistently to achieve a silky, uniform consistency.
- Enhance sauce complexity by introducing Italian seasoning and a whisper of nutmeg, allowing the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until visibly thickened.
- Orchestrate the dish’s assembly by gently combining cooked pasta, prepared chicken, and luxurious Alfredo sauce in a generously greased baking dish.
- Crown the mixture with a lavish layer of shredded mozzarella, creating a tempting cheese blanket.
- Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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