Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Baked to golden perfection, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare for any weeknight dinner.

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 minced garlic until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt butter, stir in heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted; season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish; mix well to coat everything evenly.
  7. Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some mozzarella or extra Parmesan on top before baking.
  • Try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added vegetables.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will finish cooking in the oven.

Storage

Store 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking to ensure it cooks thoroughly and evenly.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy baked chicken Alfredo pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection. Combining classic Italian flavors and a creamy texture, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

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
  • 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 assembled pasta and chicken Alfredo.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne 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, releasing its aromatic flavors.
  4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat and slice into strips for easy mixing.
  5. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, then stir in heavy cream and bring 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.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors and creaminess.
  7. Bake: Bake the combined mixture in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and golden on top, creating a deliciously creamy crust.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top before serving.
  • Use fresh garlic for best taste, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
  • To make this dish lighter, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Cook pasta slightly underdone if you prefer it firmer after baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Chicken Pasta Bake, Comfort Food, Fettuccine Alfredo, Easy Baked Pasta

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating