Indulge in the rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness of this Chicken Alfredo Bake! Perfectly cooked chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious Alfredo sauce come together in a warm, oven-baked dish that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. This recipe combines the classic flavors of Chicken Alfredo with the delicious twist of a baked casserole, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it on a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Optional Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping. You can also add a bit more shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the Chicken Alfredo Bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!