I’m so excited to share this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake with you today! It’s my go-to dinner when I want something that’s both impressive and easy. There’s something magical about that homemade alfredo sauce hugging every piece of pasta and chicken, topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. The best part? You can throw it together in no time, and your family will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Let’s discover how this comforting dish comes together, shall we?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
This chicken alfredo bake is about to become your new favorite comfort food, and I’m not even exaggerating. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and that homemade alfredo sauce creates pure magic in every bite.
I love how it’s fundamentally a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The crispy, bubbly cheese topping? Absolutely irresistible.
And can we talk about those leftovers? They might taste even better the next day, if they last that long. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—toss in some broccoli or mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake?
This chicken alfredo bake brings together simple, everyday ingredients to create something truly spectacular that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For best results, I recommend using full-fat dairy products—they create that silky, rich sauce we’re looking for—but you could substitute lower-fat versions if you prefer a lighter option, though the sauce mightn’t be quite as creamy.
How to Make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz of penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
We want it slightly firm since it’ll continue cooking in the oven later.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Nothing worse than a stuck-on pasta bake that refuses to budge, right?
Step 3: Make the Roux Base
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of flour.
Cook this mixture for about a minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
This quick cooking helps remove that raw flour taste.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream into your roux.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
If you’re preparing this dish for someone with celiac disease, consider using a high-end gluten free mixer to ensure thorough blending without cross-contamination.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella until completely melted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste—remember, Parmesan is already salty, so go easy.
Step 6: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 3 cups of cooked chicken, and the Alfredo sauce.
Gently fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown in spots.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
The contrast of bright green against the creamy backdrop? Simply gorgeous.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
This rich, cheesy pasta bake practically begs for something fresh to balance it out. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through all that creamy goodness perfectly.
Garlic bread? Always a yes—use it to soak up any extra sauce on your plate. For vegetables, roasted asparagus or broccoli works beautifully alongside this dinner classic.
Need a beverage pairing? A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or even a light red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.
For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate between those indulgent, cheesy bites. The whole combination makes for a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Substitutions and Variations
- Flavor Twists: Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes for heat, or swap half the mozzarella for smoked gouda.
- Topping Ideas: Try panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of butter and parmesan for a crunchy topping, or sprinkle with crispy bacon bits.
- Special Diet Version: For keto-friendly, replace pasta with steamed cauliflower florets.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake
This decadent pasta bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
The flavors actually meld overnight, making day-two alfredo sometimes even more delicious than fresh from the oven!
To freeze portions, cool completely then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Just remember to label with the date—we’ve all played that mystery freezer food game.
For reheating, add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
For that fresh-baked texture, cover with foil and reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
The foil trick keeps the top from over-browning while the creamy sauce comes back to life.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Bake transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and that velvety homemade alfredo sauce creates a dish that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and elegant dinner.
It’s the kind of recipe that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire, especially for those busy weeknights when you need something substantial yet straightforward. The beauty lies in its versatility—impressive enough for company yet familiar enough for the pickiest eaters at your table.
As the cheese bubbles and browns in the oven, it promises a moment of pure contentment around the dinner table, no special occasion required.