Chicken Alfredo bake is the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. With cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce and penne pasta, it’s creamy, cheesy and comforting!
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Baked Chicken Alfredo
Chicken Alfredo bake is creamy and cheesy, transforming the classic chicken Alfredo into a heartier, oven-baked dish.
If you love chicken alfredo lasagna, then you’re going to swoon over this recipe! This dish is one of those easy pasta recipes that is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.
Why This Recipe Works
- Effortless: Chicken Alfredo bake is a family-friendly casserole with a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. The process is straightforward, making it a stress-free dinner option!
- Versatile: Baked chicken alfredo is incredibly adaptable whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist.
Recipe Ingredients
Using a rotisserie chicken helps cut down on the prep for this easy pasta bake. The rest of the ingredients are also simple which makes this a great meal for busy weeknights!
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Penne noodles: The penne pasta shape soaks up the delicious Alfredo sauce. You can also substitute with ziti or cellentani for variety.
- For the Alfredo sauce: Butter, minced garlic, all-purpose flour, half and half (or heavy cream), Parmesan cheese, and full-fat brick style softened cream cheese.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
- Rotisserie chicken: You’ll need about 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken. Whether it’s rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken breasts.
- Mozzarella cheese: I prefer to shred my own mozzarella, but you can use store-bought shredded cheese in a pinch.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh taste.
Substitutions and Variations
There are so many ways you can mix up this classic baked fettuccine alfredo. Start with some of these ideas for inspiration:
- Roasted broccoli: Mix in some roasted broccoli for a healthier twist and an added crunch.
- Meat variations: Swap the chicken for Italian sausage, ground chicken, or turkey for a different flavor profile. Add chopped cooked bacon.
- Seafood options: Instead of chicken, add some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Cheese alternatives: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda or Fontina for a unique taste in this baked chicken alfredo recipe.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake
The key to an irresistible chicken alfredo casserole is the creamy alfredo sauce! Take your time to make sure it is velvety smooth.
- Make the sauce. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and flour and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually whisk cream into the roux and allow simmer until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, cream cheese, chicken, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the casserole. Transfer the cooked noodles to the baking dish and pour the sauce overtop. Stir to combine and sprinkle the top with mozzarella.
- Bake. Place the dish in the oven to bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the top is nice and golden.
- Cool and serve. It’s piping hot just out of the oven, so let it sit and rest to cool for a bit. Serve topped with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!
Cooking Tips
- Make sure you cook the flour mixture for at least 30 seconds as it helps to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Does your Alfredo sauce seem a bit too thick? No problem! Thin it out with a splash of milk.
- For a smoother Alfredo sauce, ensure your cream cheese is well softened and whisk the sauce continuously while cooking to avoid lumps.
- Incorporate veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta like ziti, fettuccine, or cellentani. The key is to use a pasta that holds the sauce well.
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
Yes, feel free to add spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Pair this bake with a simple green salad, easy garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing
- Make ahead: This chicken alfredo pasta bake can be made ahead, refrigerated overnight, and then baked when ready.
- Storage: Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or in microwave.
- Freezing: This casserole makes a great freezer meal. Assemble casserole and place into two 8×8 pans. Wrap unbaked casserole in foil then store in the freezer up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
More favorite pasta dishes include creamy chicken pasta, baked spaghetti and baked iti with meatballs.
More Pasta Recipes
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Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne noodles , may use ziti or cellentani
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups half and half , or heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese , softened
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt , plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper , plus more to taste
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken , cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , plus more for topping
- freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic and flour and cook 30 seconds. Gradually whisk the cream into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the parmesan, cream cheese, chicken, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cooked noodles into the baking dish. Pour the sauce over top and stir to combine. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve topping with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Mix things up with some veggies like broccoli, cauliflower.
- Swap the chicken for Italian sausage or ground chicken or turkey.
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Casseroles, Chicken, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Italian, Kid-Friendly, Meal Prep
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
