The Best Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe For Cozy Nights

Weeknight dinners demand a comforting chicken alfredo pasta bake that satisfies everyone’s hunger pangs.

Pasta lovers know this dish brings pure culinary magic to the table.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that makes taste buds dance.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each noodle with delectable goodness.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crispy golden edges from baking.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can transform into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and start cooking right now.

Pro Tips For Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Boost Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect tender-yet-firm bite.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Use room temperature cream cheese and whisk gently to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps or curdling.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast red pepper flakes in olive oil before adding to the sauce to release their full aromatic potential and intensify the heat.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling on top, helping it melt more evenly and create a beautifully golden crust.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Chop parsley just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and maximize its bright, fresh flavor profile.

Different Styles Of Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Seafood Alfredo Casserole: Swap chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a luxurious maritime flavor to the classic recipe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Add diced green chiles, swap red pepper flakes for jalapeños, and top with crispy tortilla strips for a zesty kick.

What To Pair With Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Elevate Flavor Companion: Crisp Chardonnay perfectly complements the creamy chicken alfredo pasta's rich texture, cutting through its velvety sauce with balanced acidity.
• Wine-Soaked Pairing: Open a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio, which offers light, refreshing notes that match the dish's smooth, cheesy profile without overwhelming delicate flavors.
• Herbal Green Accent: Serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, providing a peppery, tangy contrast to the pasta's indulgent, creamy consistency.
• Bread Sidekick: Warm garlic focaccia or crusty Italian bread becomes an ideal companion, helping diners soak up extra alfredo sauce and adding delightful textural variety to the meal.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.

Quick FAQs About Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti. Choose pasta that holds sauce well and has a similar cooking time.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños in the sauce. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top after baking for extra heat.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cream cheese and other dairy products are gluten-free. Check ingredient labels carefully to maintain a gluten-free version.

Why Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Is A Comfort Classic

• Satisfy Comfort Cravings: A creamy, cheesy pasta dish that wraps you in pure comfort and warmth, perfect for those nights when you need a delicious hug on a plate.
• Customize with Ease: Incredibly adaptable recipe where you can swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or keep it vegetarian by adding roasted vegetables, making it a versatile meal for any preference.
• Quick Family Pleaser: A crowd-winning recipe that comes together smoothly, requiring minimal prep work and delivering maximum flavor, ensuring everyone from kids to adults will be asking for seconds.
• Meal Prep Champion: Fantastic make-ahead option that stores beautifully in the refrigerator, reheats wonderfully, and maintains its rich, creamy texture, making it ideal for busy weeknights or planned lunches.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.

• Chicken: Tender meat that adds substantial protein and delicious flavor to the baked pasta.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Creamy liquids that create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious thickness and tangy depth to the alfredo base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty flavor and helps create a golden cheesy topping.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers melty, stretchy texture and mild cheese flavor.

• Garlic: Brings aromatic and pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle spicy kick to the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings vibrant color and light, clean flavor to the finished dish.

How To Cook Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up the oven to a toasty 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with a generous layer of cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically taking 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside for later.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Alfredo Base

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Cream cheese
• Half of the parmesan cheese

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 5: Add Chicken to Sauce

Fold the cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, making sure each piece gets completely coated with the rich mixture.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Adjust the seasonings to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently mix the prepared pasta with the chicken alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.

Step 8: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Cover the top with a beautiful layer of melty goodness.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden-brown cheese top that’s bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 11: Rest and Set

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this irresistible Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake, blending rich flavors with classic Italian-inspired ingredients. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb penne pasta or fettuccine
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Dairy and Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1.5 cups grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup cream cheese

Seasonings and Extras:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, cream cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese in the skillet, creating a smooth and rich alfredo base.
5. Stir the cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the luxurious mixture.
6. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste and creating a balanced flavor profile.
7. Combine the prepared pasta with the chicken alfredo sauce, gently folding to distribute ingredients uniformly.
8. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
9. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top, creating a generous and inviting cheese layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and displays a beautiful golden-brown color.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herb flavor.

Notes

• Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the alfredo bake.
• Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing calories without compromising the creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 807
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 913 mg
• Fat: 43 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg