Name: Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces penne rigata pasta; 6 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 4 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic salt (optional); 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2-3 cooked and diced chicken breasts; Chopped parsley (optional)

I am absolutely delighted to share with you my beloved Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe, a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked pasta casserole brings together tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and gooey cheeses in a way that satisfies both the soul and the hunger. I love how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a comforting meal that's big on flavor and easy to prepare, making it one of my go-to recipes for family dinners or when I want to impress friends without the fuss.

Why You'll Love This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

What truly makes this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe stand out for me is its irresistible flavor profile. The luscious Alfredo sauce, which I craft from scratch using butter, cream, and a blend of cheeses, creates this silky, velvety coating that clings beautifully to every bite of penne pasta. The touch of garlic and the hint of white pepper round out the sauce with subtle depth without overpowering the dish. Every mouthful offers a harmonious balance of creamy richness and savory comfort.

Another reason I find this recipe so special is how wonderfully straightforward it is to prepare. Even if you don’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this dish feels approachable and rewarding. Cooking the pasta al dente, preparing the sauce right on the stove, then tossing everything together before a quick bake means you get maximum comfort with minimal stress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something hearty but don’t want to slave away for hours.

Finally, this Chicken Alfredo Bake really shines on so many occasions. Whether I’m hosting a casual family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or packing a party spread, this dish is always a crowd-pleaser. It also reheats beautifully, making it a practical option for leftovers or meal prep. I find that its creamy, cheesy goodness only deepens overnight, making it a winner for both fresh and made-ahead meals.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different cooking ingredients. The largest bowl contains dry yellow penne pasta, placed near the center right. Above it, another large bowl is filled with cooked cubed chicken pieces that are lightly browned. To the left of the chicken, a large bowl holds white liquid, likely milk or cream. Below the pasta bowl is a small metal measuring cup filled with grated cheese. Next to the chicken, there is a medium bowl containing shredded mozzarella cheese, and above that a smaller bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese. Several small bowls are scattered around holding various ingredients including butter chunks, a white creamy substance, white flour, minced garlic, salt, a beige powder, and dried seasoning. There are two green herbs near the top right and bottom left corners. On the top right, a white bowl with a dark rim contains a smooth brown liquid and a whisk inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For a dish this rich and comforting, the ingredient list might look impressive, but every element is simple and essential. Each one contributes a key piece to the creamy texture, cheesy flavor, or the colorful appeal of the finished bake. From tender chicken and al dente pasta to the luxurious sauce made with a blend of cheeses, these ingredients come together to create the magic.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Penne rigata pasta: I always use this shape because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Butter: This creates the rich base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
All-purpose flour: It’s the secret ingredient that thickens the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
Minced garlic: Garlic infuses the sauce with savory warmth and aroma.
Heavy whipping cream: For that ultra-luxurious creaminess you expect in an Alfredo.
Salt and garlic salt: These seasonings bring out all the flavors and add a subtle punch.
White pepper: Unlike black pepper, it adds mild heat without dark specs in the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: The nutty, sharp parmesan melts into the sauce, giving that classic Alfredo bite.
Mozzarella cheese: This adds irresistible gooey stretchiness to the bake.
Cream cheese: It creates extra creaminess and a slightly tangy undertone that makes the sauce unique.
Cooked and diced chicken breasts: Tender protein that makes this dish a full meal.
Chopped parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the finished dish.

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing your pasta according to the package instructions, but be sure to stop cooking when it is al dente. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so overcooking now will make it mushy later.

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and starts the roux base for your sauce.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic, heavy cream, salt, garlic salt if using, white pepper, and 1 cup of the Parmesan cheese to the roux. Stir well to combine and melt the cheese.

Step 4: Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You want it to thicken into a gorgeous, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat, then stir in the mozzarella and softened cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 6: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy sauce and diced cooked chicken over the pasta. Stir everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the chicken is well distributed.

Step 7: Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create that golden, cheesy crust when baked.

Step 8: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe makes 8 generous servings, perfect for a large family dinner or to have delicious leftovers for lunches. Prep time is about 15 minutes, mostly spent preparing pasta and sauce. Baking takes an additional 20-25 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 40 minutes total from start to finish, making it a superb option for a satisfying meal without too much waiting. There is a short resting time after baking to let the dish set slightly, which helps when serving.

How to Serve This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

A white ceramic baking dish filled with baked pasta layers shows the top layer covered in melted, slightly browned cheese with a creamy texture. The pasta underneath is mixed with creamy sauce and pieces of chicken, giving a light yellow and white color with hints of golden brown where the cheese has toasted. There are small green parsley leaves scattered across the top, adding a fresh look. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When serving my Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe, I love pairing it with light, fresh sides to balance the richness. A crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon makes for a refreshing contrast. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or peas add both color and texture to the plate, making the meal feel thoughtfully complete.

Presentation-wise, I like to scoop out portions onto white plates to let the creamy sauce and golden cheesy top shine. Sprinkling fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan on top adds a bright touch and heightens the visual appeal. For a festive occasion, you could add some sun-dried tomatoes or a drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edges for a pop of flavor and elegance.

As for beverages, I often reach for a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy, garlicky sauce. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water infused with cucumber or a crisp iced tea with lemon offers a refreshing complement. Serving the bake hot from the oven is ideal to enjoy the luscious sauce at its creamy best, but it also keeps well if allowed to cool slightly, making it flexible for different dining settings.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe by swapping out some ingredients to match different tastes or dietary needs. One simple change is using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or texture. I've also tried adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the mix, which provide a tangy or earthy variation that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

For a lighter or dairy-free version, I’ve had great success substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using vegan cheese alternatives. While it changes the flavor profile somewhat, the dish still comes out rich and satisfying. Grilled chicken or even cooked shrimp can replace the traditional chicken breasts for a different spin that feels just as indulgent.

Another fun flavor twist is to sprinkle a little smoked paprika or add fresh basil or thyme into the sauce for a subtle herbaceous note. You can also finish the bake under the broiler for a minute or two to get an even crispier, golden top if you like that extra crunch. Baking in individual ramekins is great if you want personalized portions or for a special dinner party presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake in airtight containers or tightly covered baking dishes to keep the sauce from drying out. It’s best kept in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. I always ensure it’s cooled completely before refrigeration to maintain the texture and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well if you want to make it ahead. I like using disposable aluminum pans to freeze the entire bake, covering it tightly with foil and labeling it clearly. It keeps nicely in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking it fresh, which helps preserve that creamy texture and avoids watery sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, the oven works best to maintain the creaminess and melt the cheese back to a lovely bubbly state. I recommend heating it at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning, then uncovering toward the end to let the top crisp slightly. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sauce separate or become rubbery. Adding a splash of heavy cream or milk before reheating helps refresh the sauce’s lusciousness.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While I prefer penne rigata for its ridges that hold the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for al dente accordingly.

Do I have to cook the chicken before adding it?

Yes, I recommend cooking the chicken breasts first and dicing them before mixing into the pasta. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy. You can bake, grill, or sauté the chicken—it’s completely up to you.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reducing the butter, or incorporating vegetables like spinach or broccoli into the bake. Using whole grain pasta also adds fiber.

Can I add other herbs or spices to the Alfredo sauce?

Definitely! Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley work wonderfully. A pinch of nutmeg is also a classic addition to Alfredo sauces for subtle warmth.

How can I tell when the bake is done?

You want the top to be just beginning to brown and the sauce to be bubbling around the edges. This usually happens after 20-25 minutes at 350°F. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a true celebration of comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with those you love. Give it a whirl and watch how this creamy, cheesy bake becomes your new favorite weeknight winner or special occasion star. Happy cooking!