Chicken Alfredo Bake

This creamy chicken alfredo bake transforms the classic pasta dish into a comforting casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich homemade alfredo sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

I first created this recipe when my sister and her family came for an impromptu dinner visit. Everyone from the adults to the pickiest children cleaned their plates, and now it's requested at nearly every family gathering we have.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite size pieces provides lean protein and absorbs all the wonderful seasonings. Look for plump pieces with even color for best quality.
• Dried oregano and basil: Create that classic Italian flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Use fresh herbs if available by tripling the amount.
• Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this alfredo sauce incredibly rich and velvety. Choose full fat variety for the best texture and flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Forms the foundation of any good alfredo sauce. Freshly grated works best as it melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
• Penne pasta: Holds up beautifully to the thick sauce and its tubular shape captures pockets of creamy goodness in every bite. Cook it just to al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible golden brown bubbly top that makes this dish especially appealing. Low moisture whole milk mozzarella shreds best.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Cube chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then mix until every piece is evenly coated with seasonings. This thorough seasoning ensures flavorful chicken throughout the entire dish rather than bland pieces that disappear in the sauce.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until bubbly but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until pieces are fully cooked with no pink remaining. The butter helps create beautiful browning while olive oil prevents burning.

Prepare the Pasta:

While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt to the water before adding pasta. Cook the penne until just al dente according to package directions, usually about 9 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later.

Create the Alfredo Sauce:

In the same pan used for chicken, melt butter then add milk and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, continuing to whisk until well incorporated. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes until sauce begins to thicken but still remains pourable.

Combine and Bake:

Return cooked chicken to the pan with the alfredo sauce, then add drained pasta. Gently fold everything together until pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture to a 9x13 baking dish, spreading evenly to the corners. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges begin to bubble.

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The cream cheese is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I ran out of heavy cream one evening while making traditional alfredo. The resulting sauce was so much richer and creamier that I've never gone back to the original method.

Make Ahead Instructions

This chicken alfredo bake is perfect for meal prep and planning ahead. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking point, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This method actually allows the flavors to meld together even better, creating an even more delicious final result.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a time saving option. Turkey, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables can replace chicken for different variations. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the milk and reduce butter by half. Gluten free pasta works perfectly for those with dietary restrictions. Any Italian cheese blend can replace the mozzarella topping, and Romano cheese offers a sharper flavor alternative to Parmesan in the sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty pasta bake with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For special occasions, roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition to complete the meal. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully for adult diners.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers taste amazing and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, which many people actually prefer. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to restore some crispness to the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use precooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or precooked shredded chicken works well and saves time. Simply skip the seasoning and cooking steps for the chicken.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne pasta is ideal, but you can use any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells that can hold the creamy sauce.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bake up to the final step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it's hot throughout.

→ Can I substitute the alfredo sauce ingredients?

Absolutely! You can use store-bought alfredo sauce or adjust ingredients to taste, such as swapping cream cheese for heavy cream.

→ What garnishes pair well?

Fresh basil, parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese are great for adding flavor and presentation.