This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a warm and comforting dish that’s super easy to make! With tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and pasta, it’s a cozy hug in a pan.
I love how cheesy and creamy it gets! It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious without much fuss. Just mix, bake, and enjoy the smiles around the table! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend rotini or spiral pasta for this bake since its shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. If you don’t have these, use penne or even macaroni. Gluten-free pasta works too!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their ease of cooking. You can substitute them with rotisserie chicken or turkey if you need a quicker option. Even veggie sautéed mushrooms can work as a main.
Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought Alfredo for convenience, but homemade is always tasty. If you’re short on time, a quick mix of cream, Parmesan, and butter can be a great quick fix. Dairy-free alternatives exist as well!
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan create that delicious cheesy stretch. If you’re out of one, use a mix of other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a different flavor. Vegan cheeses can also do the trick if you prefer plant-based options.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting your chicken cooked just right is key to a great pasta bake! Follow these simple steps:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add olive oil before cooking the chicken. This helps to brown it nicely.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This adds flavor as they cook.
- Cook them until they’re golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, roughly 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than browning.
By taking these steps, your chicken will be tender and flavorful, enhancing the overall dish! Enjoy your cooking journey! 😊
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz rotini or spiral pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cooking Essentials:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Extras:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so you’re looking at a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven & Cook Pasta:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Cook Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Cook Mushrooms and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms become soft and the garlic is fragrant. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and the Italian seasoning over the mixture for added flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, sautéed mushrooms and garlic, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix it all together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Transfer your pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top for that delicious cheesy finish.
6. Bake:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish your bake with extra chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort dish!
Bon appétit! 🎉
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it directly to the pasta mixture. This also helps to save time!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake up to the point of baking, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the preheated oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the mushrooms to ensure they’re cooked and flavorful before mixing them into the bake.
