Chicken Alfredo Bake
Craving a rich, cheesy dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to make? This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the perfect solution.
With tender chicken, a creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese,
this casserole is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—making it as easy as it is indulgent!
Ready in just over an hour, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
For Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Penne Pasta – This is the base of the casserole, providing the hearty texture and perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, marinated in Italian dressing for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Vegetable Oil – For frying the chicken to a golden perfection.
- Thyme – A subtle herb to bring a touch of earthiness to the dish.
- Poultry Seasoning – A must for bringing out that savory chicken flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken and the sauce to taste.
- Olive Oil – Used in the sauce for a silky texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and a smooth consistency to the Alfredo sauce.
- Minced Garlic – For that savory aroma and depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour – To thicken the Alfredo sauce and give it that creamy, velvety texture.
- Half-and-Half – Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- Milk – Complements the half-and-half to create the ideal consistency for the sauce.
- Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend – The star ingredient to make this casserole cheesy and irresistible.
- Italian Seasoning – For garnishing the dish with a little extra flavor and fragrance.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing, optional)
- Vegetable oil for cooking
- 1/4 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups half-and-half
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
- Italian seasoning for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional):
- Marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for a few hours or overnight for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Slice the marinated chicken into thinner pieces for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Rub it on all sides of the chicken.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook until bubbly.
- Gradually add the half-and-half and milk, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1½ cups of cheese and cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Cut the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well.
- Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the baking dish and top with the remaining 1½ cups of cheese.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Sprinkle with a pinch of pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with Italian seasoning and serve hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 588kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 171mg | Sodium: 539mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1275IU | Vitamin C: 2.1mg | Calcium: 513mg | Iron: 0.9mg
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Definitely! Pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop it and mix it into the pasta and sauce. It’s an easy shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice any flavor.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne works perfectly, but you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. Choose whatever you have on hand or what your family prefers.
- How can I make the sauce extra creamy?
If you love a really rich sauce, try adding some cream cheese or more heavy cream to the mix. This will make the sauce even thicker and creamier, without compromising the flavor.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
- What can I do if the pasta absorbs too much sauce while baking?
No worries! If that happens, just add a bit of extra milk or chicken broth to the sauce before baking. You can also cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t absorb too much sauce while baking.
