Name: Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne or rotini pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with comforting flavors, this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling perfectly with al dente pasta, all smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce made from butter, garlic, cream, and loads of Parmesan. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish is the perfect way to bring everyone together around the table, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal that warms your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center is a beige bowl filled with small, light-colored chunks of cooked chicken. To the right of the bowl, a bundle of uncooked yellow spaghetti strands lies flat. Above the chicken, a small white plate holds fine grated cheese with a steel grater partially resting on it. Next to the cheese, a small beige bowl contains a small amount of yellow butter. Below the chicken bowl, a small white bowl contains a pile of chopped green herbs. To the bottom left, there is a clear glass measuring cup filled with a light brown liquid, likely broth, and next to it a small glass jug with white cream. Above these, two small glass containers wrapped in woven beige holders contain salt and pepper. The whole scene is brightly lit and clearly focused. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe is simple, and each one plays an important role in crafting the luscious texture and irresistible flavor. From the creamy, velvety sauce to the savory chicken and cheesy topping, these essentials will ensure your bake is a hit every time.

12 oz penne or rotini pasta: Choose pasta that holds sauce well for a perfect bite.
2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded: Rotisserie chicken makes for an easy shortcut with great flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and acts as the base for infusing garlic flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the sauce.
2 cups heavy cream: Creates the creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce that coats every piece.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For that signature, nutty, cheesy depth in the sauce.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top to form a bubbly, golden crust.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors within the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings subtle herbaceous notes that complement chicken and cheese.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): A tiny touch adds warmth and a hint of sophistication to the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A burst of fresh green and mild flavor to finish the dish beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Cook your pasta in generously salted water until just al dente—the texture should be firm to the bite since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to release its wonderful aroma, but be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional nutmeg, whisking until the sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, and the rich Alfredo sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta and tender chicken is well coated, promising a consistent, creamy bite throughout.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese liberally over the top to ensure a beautifully golden and bubbly crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, keeping an eye out for the cheese to melt and develop a light golden color. This step transforms your Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe into the ultimate cheesy comfort dish.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, allow it to rest a few minutes before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant pop of color and subtle freshness. Serve hot and watch how quickly it disappears!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

A close-up of a white baking dish filled with baked pasta covered in a thick, creamy cheese sauce that is melted and lightly browned on top, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. The dish shows a lifted portion of pasta being taken out with a fork, revealing gooey, stringy melted cheese stretching from the pan. The pasta is tube-shaped and coated in the sauce, with golden-browned spots on the cheese. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface with a green and white striped cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the rich flavors but also adds a lovely visual contrast. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper just before serving. These little garnishes elevate the dish from delicious to show-stopping.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads to balance the creaminess. Think a simple Caesar salad or a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like garlic asparagus or sautéed green beans also complement the dish by adding texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests or just make dinner more fun, serve the pasta bake directly from cute individual ramekins or shallow oven-safe dishes. You could even add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for an extra crunch. Remember, presentation makes the meal feel all the more special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat until warmed through.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, which is a huge plus. After baking, cool it completely, then cover tightly with foil or freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave portions work fine for quick meals, just cover loosely and heat in bursts to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?

Absolutely! While penne or rotini work best at holding sauce, feel free to use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just make sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up well during baking.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can skip the chicken and add extra veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach to still create a hearty, comforting bake.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Alfredo sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen it before combining with pasta and chicken.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of melted butter for richness, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick and creamy.

How can I get a crispier topping on the pasta bake?

For a delightfully crisp topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the cheese before baking. Or, broil the finished dish for 2 to 3 minutes until the top turns golden and crunchy—just watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a homemade Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe that’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a dish you can make ahead and enjoy later, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate.