Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Baked to golden perfection, this meal is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered pasta bake. The bottom layer consists of twisted pasta in a light yellow color, mixed with pieces of browned meat. On top is a thick, bubbly layer of melted cheese that is golden and slightly browned in spots, with some green herb bits sprinkled on the surface. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping out some pasta, revealing the layers beneath. The dish sits on a wooden surface with some green herbs nearby. The 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, 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

  • For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli before baking.
  • You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • Using freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce’s aroma and depth.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with baked pasta. The dish has two visible layers: a bottom layer of cooked fusilli pasta mixed with small pieces of browned sausage, giving a mix of light yellow and brown colors; and a top layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with a slightly crispy texture and small green herb sprinkles scattered on top. A silver serving spoon with an ornate handle is placed inside the dish, partly submerged in the pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some green herbs visible at the edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne, fettuccine, or any sturdy pasta shapes work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking cold.

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 is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made with garlic, butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this meal is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special family gathering.


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
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 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 in a large pot and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the garlic and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into strips.
  5. Make Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. 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 everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden. This enhances the flavors and creates a comforting baked texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Adding some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms boosts nutrition and adds flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Baked Chicken Alfredo, Creamy Pasta, Italian Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, One Dish Pasta

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