Description
This Quick Chicken Alfredo Bake combines tender cooked chicken with al dente pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect as a comforting main course, this Italian American dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure the pasta bake doesn’t stick.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional nutmeg. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Transfer and Top: Pour the coated pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For added nutrition, incorporate vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas to the pasta mixture before baking.
- To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor without additional cooking.
