Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy baked chicken Alfredo pasta is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts and al dente pasta are combined with a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, then baked to bubbly perfection.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered pasta casserole. The bottom layer consists of spiral-shaped pasta mixed with a creamy sauce and pieces of browned mushrooms. The top layer is covered with golden, melted cheese that is slightly crispy in some spots, sprinkled with small green herb bits. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish, partially sunk into the pasta. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture beneath. 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, then 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

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smoother sauce.
  • Substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different protein option.
  • Add steamed broccoli or spinach to the pasta before baking for extra greens.
  • For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white rectangular casserole dish filled with baked pasta. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with crispy edges and some green herb sprinkles. Underneath, there are spiraled pasta pieces mixed with chunks of browned meat and creamy sauce, visible where some pasta has been scooped out with a silver spoon resting on the right side of the dish. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture in the background, alongside some green herbs peeking in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Bake it within 24 hours for best results.

What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Fettuccine or penne pasta work well because they hold the sauce nicely, but feel free to use other short or ribbon-like pasta shapes you prefer.

Print
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Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with al dente pasta and a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top, this comforting dish is a delightful twist on classic chicken Alfredo – creamy, cheesy, and easy to prepare for a satisfying dinner.


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

Alfredo 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 assembled pasta dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add them to the skillet with garlic, and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips.
  5. 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 grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne pasta for fettuccine or any pasta of your choice.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling since it will cook more in the oven.
  • For added flavor, sprinkle chopped parsley or extra Parmesan on top before serving.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Baked Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian Pasta Bake, Comfort Food

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