Chicken Alfredo Bake

Name: Chicken Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini); 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 2 cups Alfredo sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh spinach (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Rustic Planning

I absolutely love making Chicken Alfredo Bake, especially on busy weeknights when I want to serve something wholesome and delicious with minimal fuss. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly baked pasta come together for a comforting dish that the whole family enjoys. We can prep this meal in no time, and it’s always a hit at the dinner table. The best part? It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to keep things interesting!

Created by

Jemima Fox

Last updated on 2026-01-24T14:35:34.636Z

When I first stumbled upon this Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe, I was immediately drawn to the simplicity of the dish. After trying it for the first time, I realized how the creamy Alfredo sauce complements the chicken and pasta, creating a rich flavor that is simply irresistible. I've played around with different cheese combinations to discover the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy.

One of my favorite tips is to use a combination of grilled chicken and sautéed spinach for added flavor and nutrition. It adds a beautiful color and texture to the bake, making it not just delicious but visually appealing as well!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy Alfredo sauce that's bursting with flavor
Tender chicken and pasta baked to perfection
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients

      

Ingredients Matter

The choice of pasta is important in this Chicken Alfredo Bake. I recommend using penne or rotini, as both shapes hold the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully, ensuring a rich flavor with every bite. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions, as these alternatives may require slightly different timings to reach that perfect al dente texture.

Another key ingredient is the Alfredo sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade, but the creamiest results come from a sauce made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan. If you opt for homemade, watch for the moment it becomes glossy and thickens; this signal indicates it's ready to coat the pasta and chicken without being too runny. Adding a pinch of nutmeg will enhance the flavor profile, bringing warmth that complements the chicken.

Customizing Your Bake

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. You can easily add seasonal vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Simply sauté the vegetables in olive oil until they're slightly tender before mixing them into the pasta and chicken combination. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s presentation, making it visually appealing.

For a different flavor twist, incorporate herbs such as fresh basil or parsley, which can brighten the overall taste. Adding a tablespoon of pesto to the Alfredo sauce can create a delightful variation if you’re looking for an extra layer of flavor. If you're in the mood for something zesty, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving will elevate all the flavors and bring a fresh brightness to the bake.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Alfredo Bake

2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, cooked spinach (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Add Cheese Toppings

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Alfredo Bake!

Make sure to garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or mix in some sun-dried tomatoes.

Make Ahead and Store

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can assemble it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking. This saves you time during those busy weeknights and enhances the flavors as the ingredients have time to meld together.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the bake. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil. It can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, the cheese on top may not brown as desired. If you encounter this, broil the bake for 1-2 minutes right at the end of baking, keeping an eye on it to avoid burning. This step can transform your dish with bubbly, golden cheese that adds a delicious texture contrast to the creamy base.

If you find the dish too dry after baking, consider incorporating a splash of chicken broth or additional Alfredo sauce before baking it next time. This will keep the pasta moist and flavorful. Alternatively, you can mix in a bit of extra cream when reheating leftovers to restore moisture and creaminess.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly in this recipe!

→ What vegetables can I add?

You can add broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots for extra nutrition and crunch.

→ How can I make it lighter?

Substitute the Alfredo sauce with a light or homemade version using Greek yogurt or cauliflower.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and bake it when you're ready.