Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing main course perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Paste
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken & Cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-6 minutes until it thickens into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Continue cooking until the cheese melts and the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove the sauce from the heat.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded or cubed cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to fully coat everything evenly.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the pasta mixture into it. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- For added nutrition, mix in steamed broccoli or spinach before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
