Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken breasts combined with a rich Alfredo sauce and melted cheese create a satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz. package penne pasta
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
• Vegetable oil
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups half and half
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
• Italian seasoning, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: If time allows, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for a few hours or overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
2. Step 2: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Step 4: Slice the marinated chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces for even cooking.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Rub this seasoning evenly on all sides of the chicken pieces. Add chicken to hot oil and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning until cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool.
6. Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Step 7: Whisk in flour and stir until bubbly. Gradually add half and half and milk, stirring constantly. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Whisk in 1½ cups of the cheese blend. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
9. Step 9: Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add cooked pasta and sauce, mixing gently to combine.
10. Step 10: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Transfer the pasta mixture to the dish and sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheese evenly on top.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle with pepper and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.
• Try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta mixture for added veggies.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half and half with all milk, but keep an eye on thickening.
• Marinating chicken in Italian dressing adds great flavor but is optional if short on time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or ziti. Just ensure you cook them until al dente before baking.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the bake and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it’s heated through.

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 119 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy pasta casserole featuring tender marinated chicken, a rich homemade Alfredo sauce with garlic and Italian cheeses, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners, it combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with flavorful sautéed chicken and a luscious cheese sauce, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 12 oz. package penne pasta
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
• Vegetable oil (1-2 tablespoons for cooking chicken)
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups half and half
• 3 cups milk
• 3 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided: 1.5 cups for sauce, 1.5 cups for topping)

Finishing

• Italian seasoning (for garnish)
• Non-stick cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)

---

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: If time permits, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for a few hours or overnight to enhance tenderness and flavor.
2. Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare Chicken: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Slice and Season Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to thin the pieces for even cooking. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning, then rub this mixture onto both sides of the chicken pieces.
5. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning to cook both sides until fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a plate to cool.
6. Preheat Oven and Start Sauce: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Make Roux for Sauce: Whisk in the flour and stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and thickens slightly.
8. Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the half and half and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Incorporate Cheese: Whisk in 1½ cups of the Italian Five Cheese Blend. Continue cooking the sauce on low for another 5 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat.
10. Combine Ingredients: Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cooked pasta, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat all ingredients.
11. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheese over the top.
12. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
13. Serve: Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the baked dish as a garnish before serving.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken in Italian dressing adds extra flavor and keeps it tender but is optional.
• Using thinly sliced chicken ensures even and quicker cooking.
• Be careful to whisk the sauce continuously to prevent lumps when adding the flour and liquids.
• You can substitute half and half with all milk for a lighter sauce, but it may be less creamy.
• Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter and cheese quantities or use low-fat dairy alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo bake, baked pasta casserole, creamy chicken pasta, Italian casserole