Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Featuring tender diced chicken, penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella, this dish bakes to bubbly perfection with a golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish to prepare for baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, diced chicken, and the prepared Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for a Golden Top: Switch the oven to broil and cook the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese topping is golden brown and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- Leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute chicken breast with rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken.
- For a lighter option, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Ensure to watch closely during the broil step to prevent burning the cheese.
