Name: Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed; 3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Get ready to fall in love with comfort food all over again with this Chicken Alfredo Bake! Imagine all your favorite Alfredo flavors mingling with tender chicken and pasta, nestled beneath a perfectly melted cheese topping. This dish is not just irresistibly creamy and cheesy, but also remarkably easy to put together, making it a real weeknight winner. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or prepping ahead for a cozy gathering, this pasta casserole is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chicken Alfredo Bake lies in its simple, accessible ingredients—each one plays a key role in achieving that signature creamy, cheesy bite. From the juiciness of the chicken to the richness of the ricotta and the pop of fresh parsley, every component is essential for building big flavor with minimal fuss.

Penne pasta, 12 ounces: Penne holds the sauce beautifully and gives every bite substance and texture.
Cooked chicken breast, 2 cups (cubed): Leftover or rotisserie chicken makes prep quick and adds satisfying protein.
Alfredo sauce, 3 cups (homemade or store-bought): The creamy backbone of this bake; use your favorite for the best flavor.
Ricotta cheese, 1 cup: Adds the signature silkiness and makes the casserole extra lush.
Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup (grated): Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce for unbeatable depth.
Mozzarella cheese, 2 cups (shredded): This is your gooey, golden cheese blanket on top.
Garlic, 2 cloves (minced): Nothing beats fresh garlic for a burst of savory aroma and flavor.
Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A quick way to bring classic herb flavor without any extra fuss.
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances all the other ingredients, making each bite pop.
Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Just a dash for warmth and gentle spice.
Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons (chopped, for garnish): A final flourish of green that makes everything feel brighter and fresher.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray—this helps your bake come out golden and easy to serve with minimal mess.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until just al dente; remember, it’ll cook a little more in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure not to overcook it for the perfect texture.

Step 3: Combine the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and drained pasta, cubed chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are generously coated in sauce and cheese.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Alfredo Bake

Pour your creamy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top—this is where that irresistible cheesy crust happens!

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 minutes more, until the cheese is golden, melty, and bubbly. Let your Chicken Alfredo Bake rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven, then shower it with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Chicken Alfredo Bake, brightening up all that rich, gooey cheese. For a little extra flavor, you could also top with a pinch of extra Parmesan or a twist of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty main dish loves simple sides—a crisp Caesar salad, some roasted broccoli, or a basket of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with all the creamy comfort. If you want more veggies, lightly steamed green beans or sautéed spinach are both excellent choices.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve individual portions of Chicken Alfredo Bake in mini ramekins or small ovenproof dishes. Hosting a party? Make it as part of a pasta bar with other classics. You can even layer in extra veggies like roasted mushrooms or spinach to surprise your guests with each spoonful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors meld together even more over time, making the leftovers nearly as good as the first night (if not better!).

Freezing

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a freezer’s best friend. Let the bake cool completely, portion into airtight, freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For a whole-pan option, wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Then warm in a 350°F oven, covered with foil for about 20 minutes, until heated through. Individual servings can be microwaved on medium power, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole

Absolutely! Penne is classic because it holds the sauce well, but rotini, rigatoni, or even shells all work beautifully and soak up the cheesy Alfredo sauce in every bite.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter Chicken Alfredo Bake, opt for light Alfredo sauce and part-skim cheeses. You can also toss in extra steamed veggies and use whole grain pasta to boost fiber and nutrition.

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything right up until the final bake, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, add five extra minutes to the oven time if baking straight from the fridge.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely—rotisserie chicken not only saves time, it adds great flavor. Just chop it into bite-sized cubes or shred before mixing it in for convenience and deliciousness.

How do I prevent the bake from getting too dry?

Don’t overbake the casserole, and make sure the Alfredo sauce generously coats all the pasta before it goes in the oven. Covering with foil for the first part of baking also helps lock in moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both easy and luscious, you can’t go wrong with Chicken Alfredo Bake. Trust me, this creamy, cheesy, hearty favorite delivers on every level—so go ahead and treat yourself or the people you love to a comforting pasta night soon!

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Chicken Alfredo Bake. A delicious baked pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and three kinds of cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken Mixture:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pasta, cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.