Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy meal that feels indulgent, ideal for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

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, slice into strips.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, melt butter, stir in heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Gradually add grated 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 a richer flavor and smoother sauce.
• Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different twist.
• Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta before baking for extra veggies.
• For a lighter version, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less thick.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like such as penne, rigatoni, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it is al dente before baking.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add protein with cooked tofu or chickpeas if desired.

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 690 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts and al dente pasta baked in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe combines stovetop cooking and baking to create a golden, bubbly delight with Italian seasoning enhancing the flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

Pasta

• 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta

Sauce Ingredients

• 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

Cooking Oils

• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the combined pasta and chicken dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring salted boiling water to a boil and cook the fettuccine or penne until al dente, then drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking in the oven.
3. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant to develop flavor without burning.
4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and slice into strips for easy mixing.
5. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce 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 thoroughly so all components are evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the top turns golden brown. This step melds the flavors and gives a lovely texture.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and smoothness in the sauce.
• Make sure pasta is al dente before baking to avoid mushiness.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt, as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
• You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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