Description

This creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake combines tender penne pasta, succulent cooked chicken, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan. Baked to golden perfection with mozzarella topping, this comforting casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or for serving guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

12 ounces penne pasta, cooked in salted water according to package directions
3 cups diced cooked chicken

Sauce

3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use; 1/2 cup in sauce, 1 cup for topping)
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Make the roux: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
Add milk and cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Add cheeses and season: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella until fully melted. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste.
Toss pasta and chicken: In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta and diced cooked chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and toss well to evenly coat everything.
Assemble bake: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese topping begins to brown slightly.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish, then serve warm.

Notes

Use freshly cooked chicken for best flavor; leftover rotisserie chicken works great.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will bake further in the oven.
You can add vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, baked pasta casserole, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, cheesy chicken pasta bake