I remember the first time I made this easy alfredo chicken bake. Oh, honey, it was a disaster. I was trying to impress my future mother-in-law (bless her heart, she’s the sweetest woman, but a *fantastic* cook) and thought, “Alfredo is fancy! Chicken is safe! I’ve got this!” I ended up with a watery, bland mess that looked more like chicken soup than a creamy, comforting casserole. The chicken was dry, the sauce was thin, and my pride? Completely deflated. But, I’m nothing if not persistent! I tweaked, I tested, I experimented, and eventually, I landed on a recipe that my family begs me to make weekly: the easy alfredo chicken bake of my dreams.

The aroma alone will get your mouth watering – that rich, creamy Alfredo mingling with the savory chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s pure comfort food, and honestly, it’s become a staple in our house. It’s one of those recipes that just works. It’s become a family favorite because it is quick, it is simple, it is filling and comforting.

I was working full-time and juggling carpool duties, soccer practice, and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. I needed meals that were quick, satisfying, and didn’t require me to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s how this easy alfredo chicken bake really came into its own.

One day, I was particularly frazzled, rushing to get dinner on the table before a PTA meeting. I was stirring the Alfredo sauce, trying to keep it from scorching while simultaneously helping my son with his math homework. It was then it hit me like a ton of bricks. This easy alfredo chicken bake could be made ahead of time! This was a total game changer!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, add your favorite veggies, or even swap out the pasta for something different. It’s truly customizable to your family’s tastes and preferences. And trust me, once you try this easy alfredo chicken bake, it will become a regular in your own meal rotation. Your family will thank you!

Ingredients for the Best Alfredo Chicken Bake

Here’s what you’ll need to create this crowd-pleasing dish:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite), cooked according to package directions
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed (or other vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Raw Ingredients for Alfredo Chicken Bake

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Ingredient Spotlight: Parmesan Cheese

For my easy alfredo chicken bake, I always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way, and the flavor is so much better with the real deal. When making easy alfredo chicken bake, you can find good quality Parmesan at most grocery stores, usually near the specialty cheeses. And here’s a little easy alfredo chicken bake trick I learned from my mom: Grate a little extra Parmesan and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s perfect for sprinkling on top of soups, salads, or even just snacking on!

Time-Saving Ingredient Prep

For an ingredient prep shortcut when making this easy alfredo chicken bake, I often buy pre-cut chicken breast. It shaves off precious minutes, especially on busy weeknights. If you’re on a tight budget, keep an eye out for chicken breasts on sale, and stock up! You can freeze them for later use. To store leftover Alfredo ingredients, keep the milk and heavy cream tightly sealed in the fridge. Parmesan cheese will last longer if wrapped well and stored in the refrigerator.

How to Make Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake – Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t worry if your easy alfredo chicken bake pasta is still slightly al dente, it will continue to cook in the oven.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. I learned the hard way with easy alfredo chicken bake that burning the garlic ruins the entire dish! So keep a close eye on it!
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux. This is important for thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Your easy alfredo chicken bake should smell like cheesy, garlicky goodness at this point.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and thawed broccoli florets to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the easy alfredo chicken bake is heated through. In my kitchen, easy alfredo chicken bake usually takes around 22 minutes, but ovens vary!
Let the easy alfredo chicken bake cool for a few minutes before serving.

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Multitasking Tips

While the easy alfredo chicken bake is cooking, I usually set the table, toss a quick salad, and maybe pour myself a glass of wine. It’s all about multi-tasking, right? A family-tested easy alfredo chicken bake time-saver is to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.

Serving Suggestions

The kids love our easy alfredo chicken bake when I serve it with a simple side salad and some garlic bread. The crispness of the salad and the garlicky flavor of the bread complement the richness of the casserole perfectly. This easy alfredo chicken bake is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or even a casual get-together with friends.

I like to garnish my easy alfredo chicken bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a little extra flavor and visual appeal. If you have extra easy alfredo chicken bake, it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. Just be sure to add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out.

During the fall, I sometimes add roasted butternut squash or pumpkin to my easy alfredo chicken bake for a seasonal twist. My friends always ask for this easy alfredo chicken bake recipe whenever I make it for a party. I usually get a ton of compliments when I make this recipe for the neighbors.

Serving the creamy chicken alfredo bake is easier when it’s properly cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta in this easy chicken casserole? Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, fettuccine, and even bow tie pasta all work well. You know what I do when my easy alfredo chicken bake needs that kind of change? I switch it up with what I have. I had some shells one time that turned out great.
Can I add more vegetables to this baked alfredo chicken recipe? Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy. Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all great additions. I made this with some roasted asparagus once and it added a nice crunchy bite.
Can I make this easy alfredo chicken bake with rotisserie chicken? Yes, you absolutely can! This is a great time-saving tip. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the pasta and sauce. You know what I do when my easy alfredo chicken bake needs something a little different? Rotisserie chicken is my quick fix.
Can I freeze this chicken alfredo pasta bake? Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. I messed up once by not letting it cool completely and my freezer was a disaster.
My Alfredo sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out? If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, simply add a little more milk or cream until it reaches the desired consistency. I always add extra milk to my Alfredo sauce. My grandma always told me to do that!
My Alfredo sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it? If your Alfredo sauce is too thin, you can whisk in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water (about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and cook until thickened. I learned the hard way with easy alfredo chicken bake that adding too much cornstarch will make it clumpy, so go slow!
Can I use a different type of cheese in this easy alfredo chicken bake recipe? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Asiago, provolone, and fontina are all good options. I like to use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for a creamy, cheesy flavor. I once added some gorgonzola and my husband hated it!
Is there a way to make this easy alfredo chicken bake lighter? Yes, you can use skim milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use less butter and cheese. I use a light cream cheese sometimes!

Final Thoughts on This Easy Chicken Bake

This easy alfredo chicken bake recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so much more than just a meal. It’s a symbol of family, comfort, and the joy of sharing good food with the people I love.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Bake

Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly al dente is best, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and cheeses to customize the recipe to your liking.

Variations to Try

Here are some easy alfredo chicken bake variations I have tried with my family:

Spicy Chicken Alfredo Bake: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little heat. My husband loves this version!
Chicken Alfredo Bake with Bacon: Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, savory flavor. The kids go crazy for this!
Vegetarian Alfredo Bake: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.

Finished Alfredo Chicken Bake on Display

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I encourage you to make this easy alfredo chicken bake your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! I hope your easy alfredo chicken bake cooking experience is filled with joy, laughter, and delicious results. And if it is a disaster? I’ve been there! Just dust yourself off and try again! The best thing about cooking is that you can always learn something new. Now go make this easy alfredo chicken bake and enjoy! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake: A Family Favorite

Print Recipe

This Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love! It’s a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
8 oz pasta, cooked al dente
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
In the same skillet, combine Alfredo sauce, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and stir to coat.
Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. You can also add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the bake.