Description
This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection. It combines the classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning to create a hearty meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Pasta
- 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta
Sauce
- 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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine or penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the garlic and cook until they are golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter, then stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce is smooth and melted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish into 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 deliciously melty.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach before baking for added nutrition.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
- Ensure the pasta is not overcooked before baking to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Baked Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Comfort Food, Fettuccine Alfredo, Baked Fettuccine
