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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
