Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Yield: 6 servings
If you are looking for another easy weeknight dinner, this chicken Alfredo bake is a must-try! This casserole is packed and filled with chicken, Parmesan, and pasta in a cheesy white sauce. This is the perfect meal to warm up the cold days. Super cozy and comforting!
Ingredients
1 pound thawed chicken breasts, cut into bite-size
10 ounces uncooked penne, ziti
⅓ c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 ¼ c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
fresh parsley for garnish
olive oil to grease the pan
Salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce:
1 ¼ c. milk
2 garlic cloves-minced
⅓ c. unsalted butter
1 c. heavy cream
6 ounces of cream cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more to taste)
1 tablespoon flour
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
How to make Chicken Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F. Using non-stick cooking spray, grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Following the package directions, cook the pasta until al dente. Set aside some pasta water for later.
Step 3: In bite-sized pieces, chop the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for about 10 to 15 minutes until completely cooled. Onto the cooked and drained pasta, transfer the chicken when done.
Step 4: For the Alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Then, stir in the flour. Once the flour has dissolved, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously.
Step 5: Slowly stir in the milk until fully blended and smooth. Next, gently stir in the heavy cream. Then, add the cream cheese and stir well until melted. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well before adding half a c of grated Parmesan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the sauce begins to thicken. Add some of the pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6: To the cooked pasta and chicken, add the Alfredo sauce. Toss well. In the prepared baking dish, spread about half of the mixture and sprinkle with approximately ¾ c of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, spread the rest of the pasta mixture, top with the rest of the mozzarella, followed by ⅓ c of the grated Parmesan.
Step 7: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from the oven when done and garnish with some fresh parsley. Serve right away. Enjoy!