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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled pasta dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
