Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food: this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, decadent, and incredibly satisfying casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’re skipping the jarred stuff and making a velvety smooth, homemade alfredo sauce that coats every piece of tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special occasion.
Why This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another pasta bake. This recipe is designed for maximum creaminess and flavor with minimal fuss. The homemade sauce is the star, using real cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan for a taste that’s miles ahead of store-bought versions. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your own dinner table.
Unlike other recipes that can turn out greasy or dry, our method ensures a perfectly emulsified, rich sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal. What’s not to love?
The Key Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Alfredo
Simplicity is key to this dish. We’re using high-quality, straightforward ingredients to build layers of flavor.
For the Pasta and Chicken
Penne Pasta: The ridges on penne are perfect for catching all the creamy sauce. You can also use rigatoni, ziti, or rotini.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving substitute.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Black Pepper: The essential seasoning trio to flavor the chicken.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible cheesy, golden-brown topping.
For the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Unsalted Butter: The rich foundation of our sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a little to create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce and prevent it from breaking.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: This combination creates the perfect creamy consistency without being overly heavy.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For the signature nutty, salty flavor of alfredo. Use freshly grated for the smoothest melt.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg is the secret ingredient that enhances the creamy flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a cheesy, bubbly, and delicious casserole.
Ready to serve! A perfect portion of cheesy goodness.
Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until it’s just al dente—it will finish cooking in the oven. While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: Create the Velvety Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Remove it from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the cooked chicken, and the homemade alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in that creamy goodness. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top. For a crispier top, you can switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo Bake
Want to guarantee a flawless result every time? Keep these tips in mind.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente. It will absorb more sauce and finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Grating your own ensures the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Use Room Temperature Dairy: Bringing your milk and cream to room temperature before adding them to the hot roux helps prevent the sauce from seizing or becoming lumpy.
Let it Rest: After taking the bake out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set up slightly, making it easier to serve.
Look at that creamy, homemade alfredo sauce!
Fun Variations to Try
This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce for a little kick.
Bacon or Pancetta: Add crispy cooked bacon or pancetta for a salty, savory crunch.
Different Cheeses: Try a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for an extra cheesy and complex flavor profile.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish. For a truly comforting experience, serve it alongside some delicious homemade garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of the alfredo sauce.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store it properly.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Freezing the Bake
You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger portions, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Yes, you can use jarred alfredo sauce as a shortcut. You will need approximately 2 jars (about 30 ounces total) to ensure the bake is creamy enough. However, the flavor and texture of the homemade sauce are highly recommended for the best result.
The key is to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, not pre-shredded. Also, be sure to remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese. This prevents the cheese from overheating and separating, which is the main cause of an oily sauce.
Penne is an excellent choice because its ridges and hollow shape hold the sauce well. Other great options include rigatoni, ziti, rotini, or any other medium-sized pasta with plenty of surface area for the sauce to cling to.
Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole without baking it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
Yes, using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! You’ll need about 3-4 cups of shredded chicken. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken and add it directly to the pasta and sauce mixture before baking.
If you made this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake and loved it, please consider leaving a rating and a comment below! We love hearing from you. Don’t forget to share your creation on Pinterest and tag us!
The ultimate comfort food! Get the recipe for this incredible Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
FL Recipes
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken and penne pasta tossed in a rich, homemade alfredo sauce and baked with a golden mozzarella topping. An easy, crowd-pleasing dinner for any night.
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into 1-inch pieces
1tbspolive oil
1tspItalian seasoning
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
1/2cupunsalted butter
4clovesgarlicminced
3tbspall-purpose flour
1.5cupsheavy cream
1.5cupswhole milk
1.5cupsgrated Parmesan cheesefreshly grated
1/4tspnutmeg
Equipment
1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
1 Large Skillet
1 Large Pot
Method
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook penne pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and the alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 680kcalProtein: 35gFat: 40gFiber: 2g
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: This is crucial for a smooth, non-gritty sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses contain additives that prevent smooth melting. Don't Overcook Pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven. Rest Before Serving: Allowing the bake to rest for a few minutes helps the sauce set, making it less runny when you serve it.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
