This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is comfort food at its finest! With tender chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce, it’s baked to perfection with gooey cheese on top.
I love digging into this dish after a long day. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! You just mix everything, bake it, and enjoy a warm, cheesy hug on your plate! 🍝
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using penne or ziti for their ability to hold sauces well. If you don’t have either, you can use any pasta you enjoy like rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. For a quicker prep, rotisserie chicken is a perfect substitute! Just shred and mix it in.
Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought Alfredo for convenience. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade sauce brings richer flavors. For a lighter option, swap in cauliflower Alfredo.
Mushrooms: These add wonderful flavor, but if you’re not a fan or allergic, feel free to leave them out or replace with peas or spinach for a burst of color and nutrients!
Cheese: I love mozzarella for its stretchiness and Parmesan for the salty kick. If you want something sharper, try cheddar or even a mix of cheeses like fontina or gouda!
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Bake Is Creamy and Not Dry?
Keeping your pasta bake creamy is key to its deliciousness. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Add enough sauce. If it looks dry when mixing, don’t hesitate to add more Alfredo sauce or a splash of chicken broth.
- Cover the dish while baking for the first 15 minutes. This helps trap steam and moisture. Remove the cover later to brown cheese.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce settle and thicken, resulting in creamier servings.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne or ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes to a delicious dish that serves about 4-6 people. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks later on. This will become your delightful pasta haven!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (which means it should have a little bite to it). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save some pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later!
3. Sauté the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning before adding them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using). Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and both ingredients are fragrant. This step adds so much flavor!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to become one with your ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, garlic, and mushrooms, and pour in the Alfredo sauce. Add half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and stir everything until well combined.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the delicious mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Let it cool for about 5 minutes to set before digging in.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s pure comfort food!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne and ziti work great, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as rotini, fusilli, or bowtie. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary with different shapes.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just cover it tightly with aluminum foil. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, either warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth-based Alfredo sauce. Consider adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition!
