Whip up this creamy chicken alfredo bake in just 30 minutes! Juicy seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with al dente pasta in a rich garlic parmesan alfredo sauce. Topped generously with mozzarella cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for dinners or gatherings. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for an optional garnish that enhances the dish’s flavor and presentation. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress!
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Olivia from Recipes by Clare
By Sophia Martinez
Updated on Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:33:33 GMT
Chicken Alfredo Bake
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Chicken Alfredo Bake | recipesbyclare.com
This creamy chicken alfredo bake transforms the classic pasta dish into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich homemade alfredo sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in just 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights
Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have on hand
The homemade alfredo sauce is incredibly rich and creamy without being complicated
Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
I first created this recipe when my sister and her family came for an impromptu dinner visit. Everyone from the adults to the pickiest children cleaned their plates, and now it’s requested at nearly every family gathering we have.
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into bite size pieces provides lean protein and absorbs all the wonderful seasonings. Look for plump pieces with even color for best quality.
Dried oregano and basil: Create that classic Italian flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Use fresh herbs if available by tripling the amount.
Cream cheese: The secret ingredient that makes this alfredo sauce incredibly rich and velvety. Choose full fat variety for the best texture and flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Forms the foundation of any good alfredo sauce. Freshly grated works best as it melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties.
Penne pasta: Holds up beautifully to the thick sauce and its tubular shape captures pockets of creamy goodness in every bite. Cook it just to al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible golden brown bubbly top that makes this dish especially appealing. Low moisture whole milk mozzarella shreds best.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Season the Chicken:
Cube chicken breasts into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then mix until every piece is evenly coated with seasonings. This thorough seasoning ensures flavorful chicken throughout the entire dish rather than bland pieces that disappear in the sauce.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until bubbly but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until pieces are fully cooked with no pink remaining. The butter helps create beautiful browning while olive oil prevents burning.
Prepare the Pasta:
While chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt to the water before adding pasta. Cook the penne until just al dente according to package directions, usually about 9 minutes. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later.
Create the Alfredo Sauce:
In the same pan used for chicken, melt butter then add milk and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, continuing to whisk until well incorporated. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and simmer gently for 5 to 8 minutes until sauce begins to thicken but still remains pourable.
Combine and Bake:
Return cooked chicken to the pan with the alfredo sauce, then add drained pasta. Gently fold everything together until pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Transfer this mixture to a 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly to the corners. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is completely melted and edges begin to bubble.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
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Chicken Alfredo Bake | recipesbyclare.com
You Must Know
This recipe yields 8 generous servings making it perfect for family dinners with leftovers
The entire dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking
Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time saving shortcut that works perfectly
The cream cheese is truly the magic ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I ran out of heavy cream one evening while making traditional alfredo. The resulting sauce was so much richer and creamier that I’ve never gone back to the original method.
Make Ahead Instructions
This chicken alfredo bake is perfect for meal prep and planning ahead. You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking point, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This method actually allows the flavors to meld together even better, creating an even more delicious final result.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a time saving option. Turkey, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables can replace chicken for different variations. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the milk and reduce butter by half. Gluten free pasta works perfectly for those with dietary restrictions. Any Italian cheese blend can replace the mozzarella topping, and Romano cheese offers a sharper flavor alternative to Parmesan in the sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
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Chicken Alfredo Bake | recipesbyclare.com
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta bake with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For special occasions, roasted asparagus or broccoli adds color and nutrition to complete the meal. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully for adult diners.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers taste amazing and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, which many people actually prefer. To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, then warm in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each until heated through. For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to restore some crispness to the top.
Pro Tips
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the alfredo sauce for a subtle depth of flavor that complements the dairy beautifully
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining to thin the sauce if needed without diluting flavor
Let the baked pasta rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the sauce to set up slightly which makes serving neater
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use precooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or precooked shredded chicken works well and saves time. Simply skip the seasoning and cooking steps for the chicken.
→ What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal, but you can use any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells that can hold the creamy sauce.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the bake up to the final step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s hot throughout.
→ Can I substitute the alfredo sauce ingredients?
Absolutely! You can use store-bought alfredo sauce or adjust ingredients to taste, such as swapping cream cheese for heavy cream.
→ What garnishes pair well?
Fresh basil, parsley, or additional Parmesan cheese are great for adding flavor and presentation.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Creamy chicken alfredo with pasta, topped with mozzarella and baked golden in 30 minutes.
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sophia Martinez
Category: Hearty Mains
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Yield: 8 Servings
Dietary: ~
Ingredients
→ Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
→ Alfredo Sauce
½ cup butter
3 cups milk
8 oz cream cheese (1 brick)
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon each dried oregano, rosemary, basil, parsley)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
→ Pasta Bake
1 lb penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
→ Garnish (Optional)
Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Fresh parsley
Instructions
Cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to a large bowl. Add the oregano, basil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter and olive oil on medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain once cooked.
In the same pan, melt the butter, milk, and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir or whisk until evenly melted. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and bring to a light simmer. Cook for about 5-8 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the cooked pasta. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into a 9” x 13” baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake at 350°F until cheese melts, about 5-10 minutes.
Top with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or frying pan
Large bowl
Pot
9” x 13” baking dish
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice
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