How do I make chicken Alfredo pasta bake from scratch?

To make chicken Alfredo pasta bake, start by preparing a creamy sauce with butter, flour, milk, heavy cream, and a mix of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Combine the cooked pasta, shredded or cubed cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Can I prepare chicken Alfredo pasta bake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake ahead of time. After assembling, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. When ready to serve, bake it covered at 350°F until heated through—about 40-45 minutes. For best results, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep it safe and creamy.

What type of pasta works best for chicken Alfredo bake?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best for chicken Alfredo pasta bake. Their ridges and tubes hold the sauce well, ensuring every bite is creamy and flavorful. Avoid thin or long pasta like spaghetti, as they don’t retain the sauce as effectively in a baked dish.

How can I make chicken Alfredo pasta bake healthier?

To make a lighter version, use skim or low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce the butter amount, and opt for part-skim mozzarella cheese. Adding vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms boosts fiber and nutrients. Using grilled chicken breast without skin also lowers fat content while keeping protein high.

Can I freeze chicken Alfredo pasta bake, and how do I reheat it?

Yes, chicken Alfredo pasta bake freezes well. Cool the dish completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until warmed through. If baking from frozen, increase baking time to about 60-70 minutes.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe With Creamy Cheese Sauce

Name: Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 12 ounces penne pasta cooked in salted water; – 3 cups diced cooked chicken; – 3 tablespoons butter; – 2 tablespoons flour; – 1 teaspoon minced garlic; – 2 cups whole milk; – 1 cup heavy cream; – 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; – 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided for use; – Salt and pepper to taste; – Cooking spray for coating the baking dish; – 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Ingredients

– 12 ounces penne pasta cooked in salted water

– 3 cups diced cooked chicken

– 3 tablespoons butter

– 2 tablespoons flour

– 1 teaspoon minced garlic

– 2 cups whole milk

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided for use

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Cooking spray for coating the baking dish

– 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and coat a 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the 12 ounces of penne pasta in salted water until al dente, and prepare the 3 cups of diced cooked chicken. This sets the stage for a creamy base.

2-Next, in a large pan over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter and add the 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds. Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for one minute, then gradually add the 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Simmer while whisking until the sauce thickens.

3-Stir in the 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper to taste until everything melts smoothly. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, mixing well. For more sauce ideas, try this guide on the best homemade Alfredo sauce.

4-Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley before serving.

Last Step:

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Notes

🍗 Use any cooked chicken such as roasted, shredded from slow cooker, or rotisserie.
🧀 Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded for creamier sauce.
🌿 Customize with vegetables or different cheeses for added flavor and texture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 644
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 569 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 51 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 160 mg