Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake | Ultimate Comfort Dinner
When you’re craving gooey cheese, tender chicken, and rich, creamy sauce all baked to bubbling perfection, this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake has you covered. Combining al dente pasta, succulent chicken, and a homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent yet homey—ideal for weeknight family dinners or easy entertaining.
Classic Comfort, Elevated
This isn’t just a saucy pasta—it’s a casserole that melds layers of flavor and texture. Tender rotisserie or sautéed chicken mingles with penne (or rigatoni) in a silky Alfredo sauce, all topped with a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbling, every forkful delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic and herbs.
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Simple Ingredients, Decadent Taste
Don’t let the rich flavor fool you—this recipe uses pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. A quick homemade Alfredo sauce (butter, cream, garlic, and cheese) brings a restaurant-style finish that’s faster than takeout. The result is a satisfying bake that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Rich, Satisfying & Family-Friendly
This bake isn’t just delicious—it’s a balanced weeknight hero. Protein from chicken, calcium-rich cheese, and comforting carbs make it a complete meal. It’s perfect for picky eaters and can be customized with veggies or extra spices to suit every palate.
- Calories: ~550
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: ~700mg
Timing Breakdown
This recipe comes together in under an hour and requires just one baking dish. While the pasta cooks and sauce simmers, you can prep the chicken and grate cheese. Cleanup is a breeze, too—no deep pans or multiple pots required.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
From stovetop to oven, this bake is all about timing and layers. Follow these steps for ooey-gooey success:
- Preheat & cook pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Make Alfredo sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (30 seconds). Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in cream and milk, bring to a simmer, and cook until slightly thickened (3–4 minutes). Stir in Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and season to taste.
- Combine & assemble: Return pasta to the pot, add chicken, pour in sauce, and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly. If desired, broil on high for 1–2 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
- Garnish & serve: Let rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Easy Swaps & Add-Ins
Make this bake your own by swapping ingredients or bulking it up with extras. Each tweak keeps it simple while boosting flavor or nutrition.
- Veggies: Stir in broccoli florets, peas, or spinach before baking
- Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or vegan chicken strips
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheeses
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for heat
- Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme elevates the taste
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Alfredo bake with simple sides to round out the meal. The creamy pasta loves a crisp contrast or bright relish.
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart rolls
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Tomato-cucumber salad with red onion
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
This dish is terrific for meal prep and reheats beautifully. Follow these tips to keep it fresh:
- Make-ahead: Assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking (add 5–10 minutes to bake time).
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk.
- Freeze: Bake fully, cool, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.
Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Bake
Small details make a big difference when it comes to creamy bakes. Keep these in mind:
- Don’t overcook pasta—it continues to soften in the oven.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Stir sauce constantly when thickening to avoid lumps.
- Let the dish rest before serving so it sets and holds its shape.
Conclusion: Cheesy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food—rich, indulgent, and yet easy enough for any night of the week. With simple ingredients, minimal fuss, and endless customizations, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Gather around, dig in, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.