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