Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is a homemade dinner that turns familiar ingredients into something wonderfully satisfying. Tender pieces of chicken, pasta, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella come together in a bubbling casserole with a golden, cheesy top. It is rich without requiring complicated techniques, making it a practical choice for family dinners, weekend cooking, meal preparation, or a cozy night at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 12 ounces penne, rotini, or fettuccine
- Water for boiling
- 1/2 teaspoon salt for the pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season it with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken until lightly browned and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the pasta until slightly firm (al dente). Drain the pasta.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30-60 seconds).
- Pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently without aggressively boiling.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan. Season the sauce and adjust the salt if necessary.
- Combine the pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a large bowl, mixing gently.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Cover the surface with mozzarella. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until hot throughout and cheese is melted. Broil briefly if you want a more golden cheese topping.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Optional additions include 1 cup cooked broccoli, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, 4 strips cooked bacon (crumbled), or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Do not overcook the pasta as it continues cooking in the oven. Use gentle heat for the sauce to prevent separation. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated with a splash of milk or cream if dry.
