This Chicken Alfredo Bake combines roasted chicken, homemade creamy alfredo sauce, and pasta, all topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese and oven-baked to melted perfection. This, my friends, is the ultimate comfort food meal and one of my family’s favorites.
I like to serve this tasty casserole with garlic butter mushrooms or Italian chopped salad. The homemade alfredo sauce is easy to whip up and foolproof with the addition of a little bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
This recipe comes together quickly using already-cooked rotisserie chicken, which you can pick up at most grocery stores or warehouse stores. If you like this recipe, try my chicken spaghetti and chicken alfredo.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Pasta: You can use several different pasta shapes in this recipe, such as cavatappi, linguine, fettuccine, medium shells, penne, rigatoni, or ziti. The cooking time might vary by a few minutes, so check the packaging.
- Italian seasoning: Or a combination of oregano, basil, marjoram, and sage
- Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best
- Cooked chicken: Any cooked chicken works for this recipe, including rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, roasted chicken, or even grilled chicken.
How to make Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil over medium heat. Then, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Add the heavy whipping cream and simmer until slightly thickened, but do not boil.
While the whipping cream is reducing, cook the pasta al dente according to package directions and drain well. Once the whipping cream reduces, whisk in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat as low as possible, and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese a little bit at a time until smooth and creamy. Then add the cream cheese and cook until it melts, stirring frequently.
In a greased baking dish, stir the cooked cavatappi, alfredo sauce, and cooked chicken. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the dish and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated. Top with chopped fresh parsley.
Preparation Tips
- Cook the pasta al dente, which means a little firm, according to package instructions.
- Simmer the cream. Do not boil it.
- As with most homemade alfredo recipes, the flavor of this dish is best enjoyed promptly. Alfredo sauce tends to soak into pasta even if the pasta is cooked al dente.
Storage and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, reheat in the microwave at reduced power.
To freeze, cool completely, then cover it with several layers of plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
- Bread: garlic knots, homemade dinner rolls, baguettes, or breadsticks
- Vegetables: roasted broccoli, sauteed asparagus, or whole roasted cauliflower
- Salad: garden salad, Caesar salad, arugula salad, or spring mix salad
More Pasta Recipes
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cavatappi or penne pasta
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups grated parmesan
- 4 ounces cream cheese cut into small cubes
- 2 ½ cups diced cooked chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning, Cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously. Add the heavy whipping cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Do not boil.
- While the whipping cream is reducing, cook the pasta al dente and drain well.
- Once the whipping cream is reduced, whisk in the salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat as low as it will go and whisk in 1 1/2 cups of Parmesan cheese a little bit at a time until smooth and creamy. Add the cream cheese and cook until it melts, stirring frequently.
- In a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, stir together the cooked cavatappi, alfredo sauce, and cooked chicken. Spread evenly in the dish and top with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the casserole is heated through. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley
Notes
- Cook the pasta al dente, which means a little firm, according to package instructions.
- Simmer the cream. Do not boil it.
- As with most homemade alfredo recipes, the flavor of this dish is best enjoyed promptly. Alfredo sauce tends to soak into pasta even if the pasta is cooked al dente.
Nutrition
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Sonia Seivwright
The perfect recipe for a nice lunch. The flavors are amazing. I can’t wait to make it again.
Kristy Bullard
Love this recipe! So delicious and it is the perfect comfort food. It is on heavy rotation at my house.
Chloe
My husband would adore this! We don’t make chicken alfredo at home, but he does love it. This would be an easy way to make it for the whole family!
knycx journeying
Love this dish because it’s so comforting and easy to make, thanks for the recipe and I will share it with my friends too!
Luna S
Yum! It looks so cheesy, I love dishes like this it reminds me of a similar dish I made last night only I used hamburger meat for a homemade styled hamburger helper.
Ntensibe Edgar
Yummy! I am sssoooo in for this bake! Chicken and pasta in the same sentence? That’s a deal for me! Thanks for sharing it’s recipe.
Tweenselmom
The chicken alfredo is an easy fave. I will make this again and again!
Elizabeth Flores
You had me at Alfredo sauce! My family loves pasta and especially anything with Alfredo sauce. This is something that I will have to try and make for my family.
Olga
We love pasta and cheese too. I think I still have some penne and mozzarella, and parmesan. Looks like a good idea for dinner tomorrow.
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Catalina
Pasta is always a favorite in our house! Thanks for the great recipe. This one is delicious!
Kathleen
Love the flavors in this easy to make, comfort food casserole. It’s perfect for a Sunday dinner or even a potluck.
Beth Pierce
I agree!
Anjali
Omg, this recipe was so delicious and satisfying! Perfect for the colder winter weather and for family dinners too!
Shelby
This recipe is so creamy and delicious! The perfect weeknight all-in-one meal.
Holley
This chicken bake is the ultimate comfort food! LOVE this recipe!
Luci Petlack
What a great recipe. We really loved it!
Yeah Lifestyle
This looks like the perfect recipe to make when my children’s friends come around for a play, super easy to make as well