Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Alfredo Bake. Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and gooey cheese come together in this oven-baked masterpiece that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Easy to make and utterly delicious, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
For the Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, for a pop of color)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for layering)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs, if using)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt completely.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, peas (if using), and the Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella cheese. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or butter and sprinkle them over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.