I’ll never forget the first time I made baked chicken alfredo. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all came together most deliciously. It felt like I had a restaurant-quality meal on my dinner table—but in truth, it was something I whipped up in my kitchen.

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights when I want something both comforting and kid-approved. The bubbling cheese and rich sauce make the dish hard to resist. Plus, the golden crust after it bakes?

Simply mouthwatering. Every time I serve it, I’m reminded how incredible it is to enjoy something so simple, yet so luxurious, at home. It’s become a family favorite, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons this baked chicken alfredo is worth making! Here’s why it stands out.

Easy to Make

Even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen, this recipe is simple to follow. With just a few steps and a short prep time, you’ll have a drool-worthy casserole ready to go.

Comfort in Every Bite

The creamy Alfredo sauce and cheesy layers make this dish a perfect comfort food. It’s the ultimate cozy meal on a chilly day or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

Kid-Friendly

This baked chicken Alfredo is a standout crowd-pleaser. Kids adore its creamy, cheesy goodness, making it ideal for family dinners or even small gatherings with friends.

Ideal for Leftovers

Not only does this dish taste fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also reheats beautifully. You’ll enjoy having leftover baked chicken Alfredo in your fridge for quick lunches or dinners over the next few days.

Versatile and Customizable

Swap in your favorite pasta shapes or mix up the proteins to match your preferences. Whether you’re sticking to chicken or experimenting with shrimp or veggies, this recipe is endlessly flexible.

Cooking Time

This dish doesn’t take long to whip up. Here’s a quick breakdown of the time needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 58 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 8 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy, cheesy delight:

Penne pasta
Butter
Fresh garlic
Cream cheese
Milk
Parmesan cheese
Dried parsley
Italian seasoning
Salt
Ground black pepper
Olive oil
Chicken breasts

Variations

This recipe can be easily adapted to fit your preferences.

Ingredient Swaps

Pasta: Substitute penne with rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine for a twist.
Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu if you want to skip chicken.
Cheese: Add shredded mozzarella or gouda for an extra cheesy experience.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large pot: To cook your pasta to perfection.
Skillet: Helps you cook the chicken evenly.
Casserole Dish: Essential for layering and baking your Alfredo.
Wooden Spoon: Useful for stirring sauces without scratching cookware.

How to Make Baked Chicken Alfredo?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your baked chicken Alfredo masterpiece.

Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 11 minutes. Drain and set it aside while you work on the sauce and chicken.

Prep the Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Next, stir in cream cheese, followed by milk, whisking until smooth. Add Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce while stirring occasionally for 5 minutes. 🌿🧈🍶

Cook the Chicken🍗

Heat olive oil in a skillet and season the chicken with salt and garlic powder. Cook the chicken breasts over low heat until they are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Chop them into bite-sized cubes.

Assemble the Casserole🧀

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter, then layer the dish with pasta, chicken, and sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake and Serve🍝

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to get a golden, bubbling top. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, creamy goodness!

Tips for Making the Recipe

A few simple tricks can make all the difference, and following these tips to ensures a delicious cooking experience.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when baked in a casserole.
Warm the Milk: Using room-temperature milk will make the Alfredo sauce smoother and creamier without any lumps.
Check Chicken Temperature: Make sure the chicken hits 165°F internally to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will give the dish a stronger, more authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged varieties.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Alfredo?

Presentation matters! Here’s how to serve this incredible dish.

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese over the top for a finishing touch.
Pair the casserole with a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
For individual servings, use ramekins to create mini baked Alfredo portions.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of key nutrition facts per serving.

Calories: 449
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fat: 25g

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for meal prep, and leftovers store wonderfully.

Make Ahead

Prepare the chicken and Alfredo sauce ahead of time. When ready to serve, layer the casserole, bake, and enjoy fresh and hot.

Storage

Cool the casserole completely before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

This baked chicken Alfredo is the perfect mix of comfort and convenience. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a family gathering, you’ll love how satisfying and easy-to-make this dish is. Give it a try, and get ready to savor every creamy, cheesy mouthful! 🌟🍴