Baked Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with rich Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection. The comforting blend of flavors makes this dish a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Each bite offers a smooth, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and a crispy, golden top that’s simply irresistible.
I first made Baked Chicken Alfredo when I was craving a creamy pasta dish that would be both filling and comforting. The combination of succulent chicken and the luscious, velvety Alfredo sauce was a match made in heaven. What I love most about this recipe is how everything bakes together in one dish—giving you that perfect blend of flavors while keeping the prep simple and easy.
What’s great about Baked Chicken Alfredo is how it can be customized. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for a little extra flavor and nutrition, or even switch up the type of cheese for a different twist. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a celebratory meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a comforting favorite for everyone at the table!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Potlucks and gatherings
- Comfort food cravings
- Meal prep
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Baked Chicken Alfredo will become a go-to favorite:
- Creamy and Cheesy: A luscious Alfredo sauce coats the pasta and chicken, topped with melted cheese.
- Golden, Crispy Top: The baked finish creates a delightful cheesy crust.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make it beginner-friendly.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for a second meal.
- Customizable: Easily add veggies or swap proteins for variety.
- Perfectly Baked Pasta: The pasta absorbs all the creamy flavors as it bakes.
- Rich, Buttery Flavor: The Alfredo sauce adds depth and indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when needed.
- One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything baked together.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 32g
Ingredients
For the Chicken Alfredo Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: Creates a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a gooey, melty topping.
- Garlic & Butter: Infuses deep, savory flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pasta and Chicken:
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken or cook and dice fresh chicken breasts.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Melt Butter: In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add Cream & Milk: Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly.
- Melt Cheese: Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Season: Mix in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Assemble the Bake:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta and chicken with the Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the baked pasta and serve warm.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Baked Chicken Alfredo:
- With Garlic Bread: A perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or garden salad.
- As a Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare in advance and bake when needed.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli or asparagus.
- With Extra Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
- For Special Occasions: Serve at holiday meals or family gatherings.
- With a Light Soup: A small bowl of tomato or minestrone soup complements it well.
- For Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches.
- As a Party Dish: Serve in a buffet with other Italian-inspired dishes.
Additional Tips
- Season the Chicken Well – Marinate or season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and give the dish a richer taste.
- Pre-Cook the Pasta Al Dente – Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, undercook it slightly to avoid a mushy texture.
- Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter and Parmesan for a crispy, golden crust.
- Mix in Veggies – Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
- Thin the Sauce if Needed – If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water before baking.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- Try a Blend of Cheeses – Combine mozzarella, provolone, and a touch of smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Bake Covered, Then Uncover – Cover with foil while baking to keep it moist, then remove the foil at the end for a golden, bubbly top.
Recipe Variations
- Spinach Alfredo Bake: Stir in fresh spinach before baking.
- Beef Bacon Chicken Alfredo: Add crispy beef bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Mushroom Alfredo Bake: Sauté mushrooms and mix them in.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower instead of pasta.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Pesto Chicken Alfredo: Add a spoonful of pesto for an herby twist.
- Buffalo Alfredo Bake: Mix in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
- Seafood Alfredo Bake: Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
- Extra Veggie Version: Add bell peppers, peas, or roasted tomatoes.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta.
- Large Skillet: For preparing Alfredo sauce.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine ingredients.
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish: For baking the pasta.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce and pasta.
- Whisk: Helps blend the creamy sauce smoothly.
- Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes! While homemade Alfredo sauce adds a rich flavor, a good-quality store-bought sauce works great for convenience. - What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, rigatoni, or even rotini hold the sauce well and make serving easier. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can save time—just shred or dice it before mixing with the pasta. - How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from drying out?
Mix in a little extra milk or cream before baking to keep the sauce creamy. Covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking also helps. - What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Parmesan is a must, but adding mozzarella or a bit of provolone creates a gooey, melty texture. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. - How do I add more flavor?
Try adding minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth. - Can I make it without baking?
Yes! Simply cook the pasta and chicken, mix with Alfredo sauce, and serve. Baking just adds a golden, cheesy topping. - Can I make it healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, a lighter Alfredo sauce, and grilled chicken breast to reduce calories without sacrificing taste. - How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
Baked Chicken Alfredo is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The smooth, cheesy sauce coats every bite, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a special occasion. Topped with melted cheese and a crispy crust, this baked version of Chicken Alfredo takes the classic to a whole new level.
This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the protein. With its warm, cheesy goodness and rich flavors, Baked Chicken Alfredo is a crowd-pleasing favorite that everyone will love.
I can’t wait to hear how your Baked Chicken Alfredo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know what personal touch you added to your dish!