If you love creamy pasta dishes that are rich, cheesy, and full of flavor, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake will become your next go-to comfort meal. Tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce come together under a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. It’s indulgent, family-friendly, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner — yet impressive enough for guests. I first made this after a long day when I wanted something simple but satisfying, and it quickly became a favorite. Every bite delivers silky sauce, juicy chicken, and melty cheese — pure comfort in a casserole dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked Alfredo is creamy, hearty, and incredibly versatile. It’s made with everyday ingredients, can be prepped ahead, and freezes beautifully. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting friends, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy everyone’s craving for classic Italian-inspired comfort food.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – The Ultimate Cheesy, Comforting Pasta
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is a rich and comforting casserole that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it’s creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Remove from oven, rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best. They hold onto the sauce and stay firm after baking.
Chicken breast or thighs – Cooked and cubed or shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
Butter – The base of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that rich, velvety texture.
Garlic – Adds aromatic flavor and depth to the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream – The foundation of Alfredo sauce, ensuring it’s rich and silky smooth.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan brings the signature salty, nutty flavor to Alfredo sauce.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Cream cheese (optional) – Adds extra creaminess and helps thicken the sauce.
Salt and black pepper – Simple but essential for balancing flavors.
Italian seasoning or parsley – For a touch of herbal flavor and color.
Olive oil – Used for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan and cream cheese (if using), whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 people. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. To freeze, assemble the bake without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, covered with foil for the first 30 minutes.
Variations and Customizations
Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Bake – Add steamed broccoli florets for a pop of color and nutrition.
Spinach Alfredo Bake – Stir fresh spinach into the sauce before baking for extra greens.
Bacon Chicken Alfredo Bake – Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty flavor.
Shrimp Alfredo Bake – Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist.
Three-Cheese Alfredo – Combine Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone for an ultra-cheesy finish.
Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake – Add Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a spicy, Southern kick.
Low-Carb Option – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Mushroom Alfredo Bake – Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce for earthy depth.
Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauces are gluten-free certified.
Lemon Garlic Alfredo Bake – Add lemon zest and juice for a light, refreshing twist.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it’s a great time-saving option and adds extra flavor.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. Add a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
Why is my Alfredo sauce grainy?
Use freshly grated Parmesan and avoid overheating the cream.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely — broccoli, peas, or spinach are popular choices.
What’s the best cheese for the topping?
Mozzarella gives you that perfect gooey top, while Parmesan adds sharpness.
Can I make it without cream cheese?
Yes, simply omit it — the sauce will still be rich and creamy.
How do I prevent it from drying out?
Don’t overbake, and ensure there’s plenty of sauce coating the pasta.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, and full of satisfying flavor. With its smooth sauce, tender chicken, and bubbly golden topping, it’s a guaranteed hit for any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this bake delivers restaurant-quality flavor with homemade simplicity. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic.
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