Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort Food

If comfort food had a VIP list, Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake would be front and center. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, and baked until bubbly and golden. The best part? You can prep it ahead, feed a crowd, or reheat it for a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen (even if you didn’t).

This recipe takes everything you love about classic fettuccine Alfredo and transforms it into a hearty, family-friendly casserole. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite.

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Family favorite – Even picky eaters clean their plates.
  • Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in the morning and bake at dinner.
  • Crowd-pleasing – Great for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinner.
  • Customizable – Swap pasta, veggies, or proteins to fit your taste.
  • Freezer-friendly – Save a portion for busy nights.

Recipe Overview

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (optional, for extra veggies)

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warmth)

Kitchen Equipment Required

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Medium saucepan (for sauce)
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander
  • Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

  1. Cook the pasta – Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Alfredo sauce – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce – In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Assemble the bake – Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
  5. Bake – Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
  6. Serve hot – Garnish with parsley for color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Pasta Bake

  • Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
  • Shred your own cheese for better melting (bagged cheese can be grainy).
  • Use leftover chicken to save time—rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
  • Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Skipping the roux – Without it, your sauce may be too thin.
  • Using low-fat dairy – The creaminess depends on whole milk and heavy cream.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein swaps – Try turkey, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
  • Low-carb option – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  • Cheese lovers’ version – Add cheddar, provolone, or gouda for extra richness.
  • Spicy twist – Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

How to Store and Meal Prep

  • Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat – Bake at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

  • Serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
  • Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or iced tea for the perfect dinner.
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FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely—it’s a shortcut that works fine. Just warm it before mixing with pasta.

What’s the best pasta for baking?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold sauce best.

Can I add more veggies?
Definitely—spinach, peas, or bell peppers all work well.

Related Post: One-Pot Creamy Garlic Chicken

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s creamy, comforting, and just as good reheated the next day. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family meal or bringing it to a potluck, it’s always a hit.

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and slightly undercook your pasta—you’ll thank me later. And if you love recipes like this, be sure to pin it to your favorite dinner board so it’s ready when the craving hits.