Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This oven-baked version adds a delightful golden crust, making it a family favorite that’s both easy and satisfying.

A white baking dish filled with baked rotini pasta has three visible layers: the bottom layer is creamy sauce with mushroom slices, the middle layer is cooked rotini pasta in yellow color mixed with mushrooms, and the top layer is melted golden-brown cheese with sprinkles of green parsley and black pepper. A large spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping out the pasta with a piece of mushroom and sauce on it. The dish is placed on a wooden table with some green parsley leaves nearby, and the background shows a white marbled texture. 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, 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 added flavor, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
  • Try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mix for more veggies.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
  • Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat and deeper flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals while stirring to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, while fettuccine and penne work best for holding the creamy sauce, you can use other short pastas like rigatoni or rotini without any issues.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, simmer the cream and butter mixture a bit longer before adding cheese. To thin it out, add a splash of milk or pasta cooking water until you reach the desired consistency.

Print
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Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines sautéed garlic-infused chicken and a luscious blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter, all baked together for a satisfying family meal.


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

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 pasta casserole.
  2. Cook pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente. 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 it becomes fragrant, releasing its aromatic flavor.
  4. Cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides ensuring it is cooked through. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into strips for easy mixing.
  5. Prepare Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and prepared Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
  7. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown, signaling it is heated through and ready to serve.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
  • You can use leftover roasted chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts.
  • Feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top before baking for added cheesiness.
  • Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven and prevent mushiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, baked pasta, creamy pasta casserole, Italian pasta bake, comfort food, fettuccine Alfredo

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