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There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone together around the table. Imagine tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of melted cheese this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is exactly that kind of dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe will satisfy your cravings and create moments worth savoring.
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Best Homemade Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Tender chicken breast pieces mixed with penne pasta and creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Cheddar cheese for a comforting baked dish.
Ingredients
3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
½ (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Place chicken into a pot and cover with water. Boil, then simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
3. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 11 minutes, then drain.
4. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large bowl, mix chicken, pasta, Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder.
6. Pour mixture into a greased casserole dish.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.
8. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Notes
Use high-quality Alfredo sauce for best flavor.
Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness.
Add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Let bake rest 5 minutes before serving.
Optional: add breadcrumbs on top for crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Skinless, boneless chicken breasts | 3 halves |
| Penne pasta | 1 (8 ounce) package |
| Alfredo sauce | ½ jar (16 ounces) |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1½ cups (divided) |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Onion powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Shredded Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and juices run clear, about 15 minutes. Drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente tender but still firm to the bite about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained penne, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Use fresh, high-quality Alfredo sauce for the creamiest texture.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will cook a little more in the oven.
- You can add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
- Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking.
FAQ About Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and saves cooking time.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness, while Cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Using both gives a great balance.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, this pasta bake freezes well. Assemble but don’t bake. Cover tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check the Alfredo sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the perfect dish when you want rich flavor with minimal fuss. Once you’ve experienced the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your collection.
Why wait? Gather your ingredients, and start cooking this cozy, satisfying meal today. Enjoy the comfort of homemade deliciousness with every bite!