This creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The top becomes golden and bubbly, while the inside stays creamy and satisfying.
This recipe is also easy to customize. You can use penne, rotini, campanelle, or another short pasta that holds sauce well. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option when you want to save time.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne, rotini, or campanelle pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 small pinch ground nutmeg, optional
Time-saving option: Replace the homemade sauce with two 15-ounce jars of prepared Alfredo sauce.
For Garnishing
- Reserved warm Alfredo sauce
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, following the package directions. Keep the pasta slightly firm because it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Do not rinse it, as the starch on the pasta helps the Alfredo sauce cling to it.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not allow the garlic to brown or burn.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream begins to thicken slightly.
Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a small pinch of nutmeg, if desired. Remove the sauce from the heat.
Reserve approximately 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce for serving. Keep it warm over very low heat, or reheat it gently before serving.
3. Assemble the Pasta Bake
Place the cooked pasta and chicken in a large mixing bowl. Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the mixture.
Gently toss until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the pasta. Finish by scattering 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
4. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is fully melted.
For a golden-brown finish, switch the oven to the broil setting during the final 2 to 3 minutes. Watch the pasta bake carefully, as the cheese can brown quickly under the broiler.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle and makes the pasta easier to portion.
5. Garnish and Serve
Spoon a generous portion of the Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake onto each plate.
Ladle a small amount of the reserved warm Alfredo sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, freshly cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan cheese, and additional mozzarella if desired.
Serve immediately while the cheese is hot, melted, and stretchy.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking, or it may become too soft.
- If the Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of warm milk or cream.
- For extra flavor, season the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika before adding it to the pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Optional Additions
You can add cooked broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, peas, crispy bacon, or sun-dried tomatoes. Stir the additional ingredients into the pasta mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.