Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered pasta casserole. The bottom layer consists of spiral-shaped pasta mixed with a creamy sauce and pieces of browned mushrooms. The top layer is covered with golden, melted cheese that is slightly crispy in some spots, sprinkled with small green herb bits. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish, partially sunk into the pasta. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture beneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Step 2: Cook the fettuccine or penne in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt the butter, then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  6. Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Mix well so everything is evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce before baking.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier meat option.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the cream slightly before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white rectangular casserole dish filled with baked pasta. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with crispy edges and some green herb sprinkles. Underneath, there are spiraled pasta pieces mixed with chunks of browned meat and creamy sauce, visible where some pasta has been scooped out with a silver spoon resting on the right side of the dish. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background, alongside some green herbs peeking in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente before baking.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will differ from the traditional Alfredo sauce.

Print
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Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce baked to perfection with a golden bubbly top. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it combines simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta

Sauce

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, which will infuse the oil with flavor.
  4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown and fully cooked, then remove from heat and slice into strips.
  5. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter, then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy, then season with additional Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the cheese is melted and slightly crisped.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne pasta with fettuccine or any pasta of your choice.
  • For extra flavor, top with additional grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese before baking.
  • Use fresh garlic for best taste; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste; Italian seasoning can be substituted with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Leftover baked pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: baked chicken alfredo, creamy pasta bake, chicken pasta casserole, Italian baked pasta, creamy alfredo chicken

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