Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy meal to prepare and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered pasta bake. The bottom layer consists of twisted pasta in a light yellow color, mixed with pieces of browned meat. On top is a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in spots, with some green herb bits sprinkled on the surface. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping out some pasta, revealing the layers beneath. The dish sits on a wooden surface with some green herbs nearby. The 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 with salt and pepper, add to the skillet, and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat, then 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.
  6. Step 6: Combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish; mix well.
  7. Step 7: Bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top before baking to create a golden, cheesy crust.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with cooked shrimp or mushrooms for a different twist.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • Adding fresh chopped parsley before serving adds a nice color and fresh taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with baked pasta. The dish has two visible layers: a bottom layer of cooked fusilli pasta mixed with small pieces of browned sausage, giving a mix of light yellow and brown colors; and a top layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with a slightly crispy texture and small green herb sprinkles scattered on top. A silver serving spoon with an ornate handle is placed inside the dish, partly submerged in the pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs visible at the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, penne or fettuccine work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can also use other shapes like rigatoni or bowtie pasta depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the pasta and sauce up to the baking step, then refrigerate the assembled dish. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Print
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Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


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

Description

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This easy-to-make recipe combines cooked pasta and chicken with a luscious homemade cream sauce, perfect for a hearty family dinner.


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

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, releasing its aroma to flavor the dish.
  4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add them to the skillet, and cook until both sides turn golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips for easier mixing.
  5. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and prepared Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated and combined.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the dish is heated through and nicely finished.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving for added color and freshness.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta when boiling since it will cook further in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Baked Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Pasta Bake, Italian Chicken Recipe, Alfredo Sauce, Easy Dinner

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