Description
Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting casserole featuring penne pasta and tender cooked chicken smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, milk, cream, and parmesan cheese. Topped with mozzarella and baked until bubbly and golden, this dish is a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta (cooked in salted water according to package directions)
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Make the Roux: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without browning. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture, continuing to whisk constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the sauce until all cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and diced cooked chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta and chicken, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the coated pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the pasta is bubbly and the cheese on top has started to brown slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- This chicken Alfredo bake is penne pasta tossed with cooked chicken and a creamy sauce, then topped with cheese and baked to perfection.
- A comfort food classic that’s perfect for feeding a crowd!
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save prep time.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the cheese quantities.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 644
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 569 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
