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When comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a cheesy, creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake to satisfy everyone around the dinner table! This recipe delivers all the richness of classic Alfredo sauce with tender chicken, pasta, and gooey layers of mozzarella. I promise it’s a true crowd-pleaser—ideal for cozy weeknights or an easy family dinner! Let’s dive into the details of this dish and see why you’ll want to add it to your recipe rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Creamy & Comforting: The combination of Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and melty mozzarella makes this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Family-Friendly: This is one of those meals that even picky eaters can’t get enough of. The simple, familiar flavors make it a guaranteed hit!
- Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: You can prep this dish ahead of time or even freeze it for future meals. Perfect for meal planning!
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the ingredients—use your favorite pasta or add veggies like broccoli to amp up the nutrition.
What Does It Taste Like?
If you’re a fan of the classic fettuccine Alfredo, this pasta bake takes it up a notch with shredded chicken and a bubbling, cheesy top. The Alfredo sauce makes every bite creamy and indulgent, while the garlic powder adds just the right hint of warmth. The cheesy layer on top, once baked to golden perfection, brings the whole dish together in a way that’s anything but boring!!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Oven
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Pasta: Feel free to switch up the pasta shapes! Fusilli or rigatoni would also work great for this recipe.
- Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken? Use it! You can also swap in grilled chicken or even turkey.
- Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Broccoli, spinach, or even mushrooms would pair perfectly in this creamy dish.
- Cheese: For an extra cheesy flavor, you can add a handful of sharp cheddar or Gruyère to the mozzarella and Parmesan blend.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it’s cooked al dente. Drain and set it aside. (Pro Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan on baking it later so it doesn’t turn mushy!)
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 4: Layer in Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with an even layer of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
This pasta bake is hearty and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Classic and perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh and crisp contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts would be perfect roasted alongside this dish.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Undercook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue to cook while it bakes, so undercooking it slightly will help avoid mushy noodles.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melt, shred mozzarella and Parmesan from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly for this recipe, making it even more convenient. However, if you prefer homemade, that will take the flavors to the next level.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q: What’s the best pasta to use?
Penne and rotini hold the sauce well, but any short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni will work.
In Conclusion
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a go-to for easy, comforting weeknight dinners. With its creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping, it’s bound to become a family favorite! Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a crowd, this dish is a must-try.
Looking for more delicious casseroles? Check out these reader-favorite recipes:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
- Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole
I can’t wait to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest or Instagram—tag me on Pinterest so I can see your creations!
Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 18g
Love this recipe? Pin it now and save it for your next delicious meal!
PrintChicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, pasta, and gooey cheese baked to golden perfection. A simple, family-friendly dish that’s comforting and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni.
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add veggies like broccoli or spinach.
- Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance for easy meal prep.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg