Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, al dente penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect family-friendly main dish that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Alfredo Mixture: Stir in the Alfredo sauce along with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Add the cooked chicken breast and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken Alfredo mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing gently to thoroughly coat the pasta.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Optional Broil: For a golden and slightly crisp top, broil the casserole for an additional 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach into the mixture for extra nutrition and veggies.
- Substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli pasta for a different texture and appearance.
- Ensure gluten-free pasta and sauce to keep this dish gluten-free.
