Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Alfredo Bake, a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, this bake is topped with a layer of golden-brown cheese, making it irresistible. This recipe is easy to follow, perfect for busy weeknights, and delivers rich flavors with every bite. Serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, peas (if using), and Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Layer in Baking Dish:
- Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. If you want a richer topping, you can add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese as well.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.