Description
This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe features tender chicken breasts layered with perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden on top, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The blend of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken and pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. This helps infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice into strips.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some additional Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream and add some milk instead.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best taste and melting quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Baked Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Chicken Pasta Bake
