Creamy, cheesy comfort food at its finest!
This Chicken Alfredo Bake combines tender chicken, fettuccine, and a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, all baked under a golden blanket of melted cheese. It’s the perfect cozy dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Restaurant-quality – Rich, creamy sauce without the restaurant price
Meal prep friendly – Makes great leftovers
Customizable – Add veggies or swap proteins
Crowd-pleaser – Kids and adults go crazy for it
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
Main Components
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high
- Cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internal temp
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips
2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions (al dente)
- Drain but reserve ½ cup pasta water
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat
- Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant
- Whisk in cream and milk, bring to simmer
- Reduce heat to low, gradually whisk in Parmesan
- Stir in nutmeg and pepper
- If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time
4. Assemble the Bake
- In 9×13″ baking dish, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden
- Broil 1-2 minutes for extra browning (watch carefully!)
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley
Pro Tips for Success
Sauce consistency – Should coat the back of a spoon
Freshly grate cheese – Pre-shredded won’t melt as smoothly
Chicken shortcut – Use rotisserie chicken to save time
Add veggies – Try broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach
Make-Ahead & Storage
Prep ahead – Assemble up to 24 hours before baking
Freezing – Freeze before baking, then add 10-15 minutes cook time
Reheating – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, but sauce won’t be quite as rich
Q: How do I prevent dry chicken?
A: Don’t overcook – remove at 165°F and let rest
Q: What if my sauce breaks?
A: Whisk in 1 tbsp hot water or cream to bring back together
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Omit chicken and add mushrooms or roasted veggies
Serving Suggestions
Pair with – Garlic bread and crisp green salad
Wine pairing – Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
For kids – Serve with extra Parmesan and garlic knots
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together easily. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to every noodle, while the golden cheese topping provides that irresistible crispy-chewy texture. It’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 50 mins
Description
Dive into this creamy and delicious Chicken Alfredo Bake! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheese, making it a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
