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Chicken Alfredo Bake

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A creamy and cheesy pasta bake, perfect for cozy dinners and able to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces dried penne, ziti, or rigatoni
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for the pan)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese (optional, for extra creamy sauce)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: 2 cups small broccoli florets or 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package directions (al dente). Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour; whisk 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in cream and milk. Add cream cheese if using; whisk until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thick.
  5. Off heat, stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Fold in cooked chicken and any optional veggies.
  6. Combine pasta with the sauce mixture. Transfer to the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and a little extra Parmesan. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Broil 1–2 minutes if you want extra color.
  7. Rest 5–10 minutes so the sauce sets. Garnish with parsley. Serve warm with salad or garlic bread.

Notes

Feel free to use rotisserie chicken or jarred Alfredo sauce to save time. Great for make-ahead meals, just add a few extra minutes to baking time if refrigerated.

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