This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is like a warm hug on a plate! It’s filled with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and pasta that everyone loves.
Making this dish is super simple! Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Seriously, your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll want seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using cavatappi for its shape and texture, but feel free to swap in penne or rigatoni if that’s what you have. Just ensure it’s a sturdy pasta that will hold up well when baked!
Chicken: Chicken breasts work great, but thigh meat can be used for juicier results. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but you can use half-and-half if you’d like something lighter. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream or a non-dairy milk with a thickener.
Mushrooms: The mushrooms add an earthy flavor, but they’re optional! You can replace them with spinach or leave them out altogether if you’re not a fan.
Cheese: Though Parmesan and mozzarella are classics, mix it up with cheddar or gouda for a different cheesy taste. Just keep the quantities similar!
How Can You Make Sure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken is key to this dish. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps it brown nicely.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows the chicken to sear instead of steam. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
With these tips, you’ll have delicious chicken to mix into your creamy pasta bake!
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (cavatappi, penne, or rigatoni)
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For Cooking
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
For the Sauce
- 3 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bake will take about 15 minutes of prep time and another 20-25 minutes in the oven. So, you can have it ready in roughly 40 minutes! Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your pasta bake doesn’t stick, and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook them until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are softened.
5. Make It Creamy
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Combine and Mix
Now it’s time to add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to mix everything together. Taste it, and add more salt and pepper if you need a little extra flavor.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish
Carefully pour the creamy chicken pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top for that cheesy goodness!
8. Bake It Up
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is nice and bubbly and has a golden brown color.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Dish it up and enjoy your comforting Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, season and cook as directed.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of cream if it feels dry.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Definitely! You can substitute any pasta shape you like. Just make sure it can hold up in the bake, like fusilli or farfalle. Also, gluten-free pasta works well if you’re looking for a gluten-free option!
