Chicken Alfredo Bake

Introduction

The Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate expression of Italian-American comfort food. Taking the rich, creamy decadence of classic Fettuccine Alfredo and transforming it into a hearty, bubbly casserole, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. While traditional Alfredo sauce originated in Rome (attributed to Alfredo di Lelio in the early 20th century), the concept of baking pasta with a heavy cream sauce and cheese is a purely American adaptation, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. It requires minimal effort for maximum flavor, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety homemade sauce blanketed under a golden layer of melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

450 grams (1 pound) penne or ziti pasta
450 grams (1 pound) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
60 grams (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 large cloves garlic, minced
710 milliliters (3 cups) heavy cream
120 grams (1 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
170 grams (1.5 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-step Preparation

Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente—it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Tip: Undercooking the pasta slightly prevents it from becoming mushy during the baking process.
Sauté Garlic and Cream Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not allow it to boil rapidly.
Whisk in the Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce the heat to low. Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately whisk in the 120 grams of Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and lump-free. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Tip: Removing the sauce from the direct heat prevents the Parmesan from seizing or clumping when added.
Combine and Assemble: In a very large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the diced chicken, and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tip: Resting allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents the dish from falling apart when scooped.

Nutritional Information

Due to the heavy cream and cheese, Chicken Alfredo Bake is a rich and calorie-dense dish, typically providing approximately 650-750 calories per serving (based on 8 servings). It is an excellent source of protein (from the chicken and dairy) and calcium. While high in saturated fats, it offers substantial energy and is a comforting meal best enjoyed in moderation. To make it slightly lighter, you can substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.

Storage

Leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, cover a single serving loosely and microwave until hot, or reheat the entire dish covered with foil in a 175°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes. Freezing is possible, but the texture of the cream sauce may become slightly grainy upon thawing; freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the definition of stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a side of steamed broccoli to balance the richness. For added complexity, try adding sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon bits into the mix before baking. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a cozy dinner for two, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring it quickly becomes a favorite in your kitchen rotation.