If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Chicken Alfredo Bake is the perfect dish for you. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted cheese and baked to perfection, create a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 12 ounces (about 3 cups) penne pasta, cooked al dente and drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
2. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden color.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Dish:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked penne pasta, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish.
- Top it with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Bake Again:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the Chicken Alfredo Bake from the oven.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
7. Enjoy:
- Serve your Chicken Alfredo Bake hot and savor the creamy, cheesy goodness.
The classic flavors of chicken Alfredo are combined with the comforting satisfaction of a baked casserole in this Chicken Alfredo Bake. It’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table, thanks to its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and cheesy topping. It’s a recipe that everyone will want seconds of whether you serve it for a special occasion or a weeknight meal.