Chicken Alfredo Bake

Name: Chicken Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni); 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Daily Cooking

I absolutely love making Chicken Alfredo Bake for family gatherings and cozy nights in. The creamy Alfredo sauce combines perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta, creating a dish that's both comforting and satisfying. I usually prep this bake on busy weekdays because it comes together quickly and can easily be reheated for leftovers. The aroma that fills the kitchen while this bakes is simply irresistible, making it a go-to recipe in our household.

Created by

Arden Whitlock

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:39:35.073Z

When I first tried making Chicken Alfredo Bake, I was looking for a comforting dish that wouldn’t take hours. With just a few simple ingredients, the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce blended beautifully with the pasta and chicken.

I learned that cooking the pasta until just al dente is key—this prevents the noodles from turning mushy during baking. A sprinkle of mozzarella on top adds an irresistible gooeyness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy Alfredo sauce that coats every bite
Tender chicken that brings protein to the dish
Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep

Perfecting the Chicken

Using cooked chicken is a significant time-saver in this recipe, but for added flavor, consider poaching or sautéing chicken breasts with herbs like thyme or rosemary. This adds an aromatic depth to the chicken. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. For a more robust flavor, you can marinate the chicken pieces beforehand in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that can save you the cooking step completely. Simply shred the chicken and fold it into the pasta and sauce mixture. This adds a burst of flavor from the seasoned skin and makes the prep even quicker while still maintaining a hearty protein element in your bake.

Enhancing the Sauce

The creamy Alfredo sauce is the star of this dish, and while store-bought versions can be convenient, homemade sauce can elevate the flavor profile significantly. If you're making your own, ensure to use fresh cream, butter, and minced garlic, allowing the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens. This not only provides a thicker texture but also a more pronounced flavor, making every bite a delight.

For those looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk. Just be aware that using alternative milks might yield a slightly different texture, so adjust the cooking time to achieve that desired creaminess. Additionally, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce, which complements the creaminess beautifully and brings a warm hint of spice.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is perfect as a make-ahead meal. You can prepare it the day before, assemble everything, and cover it tightly before refrigerating. When you're ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40-45 minutes if it's cold from the fridge. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes if it was frozen. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

When it comes to serving, this dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. The freshness of the salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the bake. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce looks a bit dry.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Alfredo Bake

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Assemble the Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of cream to the Alfredo sauce before mixing it with the pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make this dish gluten-free, substituting the pasta with a chickpea or quinoa-based pasta is an excellent option. These varieties provide a similar texture and work well with the creamy sauce. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time, since these alternative pastas may cook faster or slower than traditional varieties.

For those who prefer a lighter version, swap the heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce for Greek yogurt. This creates a tangy dressing that incorporates added protein. Just make sure to temper the yogurt with the sauce ingredients off the heat to avoid curdling, and stir continuously until smooth.

Variations to Try

To add more veggies to your Chicken Alfredo Bake, consider mixing in steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Not only do these enhancements increase the nutritional value, but they also add vibrant colors and textures to the dish. A cup of sautéed mushrooms can also bring an earthy dimension that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Looking for a flavor twist? You can spice things up by adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes to the mix. These ingredients contribute unique tastes and enhance the overall richness of the bake. For a kick of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes before serving to satisfy those who enjoy a bit of spice in their meals.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the bake comes out too dry after baking, it's often because the pasta absorbed too much of the sauce. To prevent this, ensure that your pasta is cooked al dente, so it retains some moisture. Additionally, consider covering it with foil during the first part of the baking process to trap steam and keep the dish moist, removing it during the last 10 minutes to achieve that golden cheese crust.

On the other hand, if your sauce has broken or separated, it may have overheated during cooking. If this happens, removing the sauce from the heat immediately and stirring in a tablespoon of cold cream can help bring it back together. Keeping your cooking temperature moderate and stirring frequently can also minimize this issue.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the bake.

→ What type of pasta works best for Chicken Alfredo Bake?

Penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge before baking it. Just add extra baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

→ What can I serve with Chicken Alfredo Bake?

A simple side salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.