Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Featuring tender penne pasta, diced chicken, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella, this dish combines classic flavors into a baked delight with a golden, bubbly crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Make Sauce Creamy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, which usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in grated Parmesan and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella until the sauce turns creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, and Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Golden Finish: For a golden and slightly crispy topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes while closely monitoring to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Chicken Alfredo Bake warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the Alfredo sauce.
- Precook and dice the chicken ahead of time to speed up meal prep.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.
