Chicken Alfredo Bake : Creamy & Comforting

If you’re craving a rich, satisfying, and family-friendly meal, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Bake. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a velvety Alfredo sauce all baked together under a golden, cheesy crust. It’s cozy, indulgent, and made for sharing.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or potluck contributions, this baked casserole turns a restaurant favorite into a crowd-pleasing dish you can make at home. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, this pasta bake is a one-dish dinner winner.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Bake

There are so many reasons to love this comforting casserole:

• Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made with pantry staples
• Hearty and filling, thanks to the chicken and pasta combo
• Easy to prep ahead or freeze for busy weeknights
• Perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to gatherings
• Customizable with veggies, herbs, or cheese blends
• Kid-approved and family-friendly

With just a bit of prep and a short time in the oven, you get layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Who This Recipe is Perfect For

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is great for:

• Busy families who need comforting, filling meals
• Cooks who love pasta casseroles and one-dish dinners
• Meal preppers looking for freezer-friendly options
• Anyone craving creamy, cheesy comfort food
• Potluck-goers who want to bring a hit dish everyone loves

This recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the table every time.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Bake

Here’s everything you need to build this hearty dish:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or mushrooms
• Red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
• Swap rotisserie chicken for a faster version

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this Chicken Alfredo Bake, gather:

• Large pot (to boil pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for sauce)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts and aluminum foil (for baking)

This recipe keeps it simple with minimal kitchen fuss.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Step-by-Step

Follow these steps for a creamy, cheesy casserole every time:

1. Preheat and prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta just until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute more to form a roux.

Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Stir in Parmesan cheese and ½ cup mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix gently until fully coated.

5. Assemble the bake

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and extra Parmesan on top.

6. Bake to bubbly perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.

7. Serve hot and garnish

Let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Creamy, melty, and oh-so-satisfying—it’s comfort food done right.

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Tips for Creamy Sauce and Tender Chicken

• Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente works best as it continues to bake
• Whisk Alfredo constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture
• Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for a faster prep
• Shred cheese fresh from the block for best melting and flavor
• Add a splash of pasta water if the mixture looks too thick before baking

These small steps help your bake stay creamy and perfectly textured.

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Instructions

This dish is great for prepping in advance:

• Assemble fully but don’t bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 3 months—thaw in fridge overnight before baking
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Reheat covered in the oven or in the microwave in individual portions

Great for doubling and saving one for a busy weeknight.

Serving and Presentation Suggestions

Make your Chicken Alfredo Bake shine at the table:

• Serve in a deep dish or rustic ceramic baking dish for a homestyle look
• Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or cracked black pepper
• Add a lemon wedge on the side to cut the richness
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
• Offer crusty garlic bread or ciabatta slices to soak up the sauce

This dish is ideal for family-style dinners and potlucks alike.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it your own with these easy variations:

• Swap pasta for whole grain or gluten-free versions
• Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini
• Use turkey or sausage instead of chicken
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne
• Try different cheeses—Gruyère, fontina, or provolone all melt beautifully

The creamy Alfredo base works with many ingredients, so feel free to get creative.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keep your bake creamy and delicious by avoiding these pitfalls:

• Overcooking the pasta—it will soften more in the oven
• Burning the garlic—sauté only briefly to prevent bitterness
• Skipping the roux step—it thickens the sauce for a stable bake
• Using pre-shredded cheese—it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
• Not covering while baking—you risk a dry top layer without it

Follow the steps closely, and your dish will come out creamy and golden every time.

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Bake

Round out your meal with these simple pairings:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• Fruit salad or citrus segments for a fresh finish

A simple, bright side balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

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Chicken Alfredo Bake FAQs

Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, substitute with more milk, but note the sauce may be slightly less rich. Add extra cheese to thicken.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely. Use about 2½ to 3 cups of prepared Alfredo if you’re short on time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to thicken the sauce, and it can be made gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, though texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I make this with leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! This is a perfect way to repurpose cooked chicken.

Nutrition Information for Chicken Alfredo Bake

Approximate per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 610 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Calcium: 30% DV
• Iron: 12% DV

A hearty, protein-rich comfort dish perfect for family meals.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and comforting, it takes everything you love about Alfredo pasta and wraps it in a warm, oven-baked hug. Easy to make, great to store, and endlessly adaptable—this is one recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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