If there’s ever a dish guaranteed to bring pure comfort to your dinner table, it’s the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. This glorious casserole has it all: tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and ribbons of pasta, all swirled together beneath a molten blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Each bite is irresistibly cheesy, luscious, and satisfying—making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or special gatherings. Friends and family will ask for seconds, and leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make magic happen—just a handful of well-chosen ingredients, each pulling their weight in flavor and texture. Every ingredient plays an important role in achieving the signature taste and creamy perfection of this bake.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or cubed chicken adds protein and a tender bite—using rotisserie chicken can be a real time-saver!
- Penne pasta: These short tubes hold the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly, making each forkful delectable.
- Alfredo sauce: Rich and velvety, this is the base that delivers luscious flavor in every bite—store-bought or homemade both shine here.
- Ricotta cheese: This adds a wonderful creaminess and subtle tang that lightens the Alfredo, keeping it fluffy and rich.
- Sour cream: A scoop of sour cream brings extra smoothness and a gentle zing that balances out the cheese.
- Garlic powder: Essential for bringing bold, savory undertones that accent everything else.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that lifts the sauce with herbs—think oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts into that iconic, cheesy crown your bake deserves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch for that savory, nutty flavor and golden-baked color.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch brings the whole dish together and lets the other flavors shine.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional, but it adds a burst of color and fresh herbal aroma to your finished masterpiece.
How to Make Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Giving your baking dish a little love with nonstick spray or butter ensures that every last bit of cheesy pasta comes out easily when serving.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir! The ricotta and sour cream make the bake extra creamy, while the spice mix brings the flavor to life.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Pasta
Add your cooked, drained pasta and shredded or cubed chicken right into the creamy sauce bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated—you want a glossy, rich-looking mixture, full of delicious chunks in every scoop.
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the cheesy chicken pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so it’s evenly distributed. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across the top, then finish with Parmesan for that irresistibly golden, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese melt. Then, remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the top is beautifully browned and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes to set before serving—it’ll slice more neatly, and no one burns their tongue!
How to Serve Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle a shower of freshly chopped parsley over your Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake! The green pop looks gorgeous against the bubbling cheese and adds a hint of freshness that’s welcome with all those rich flavors.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing this comfort food classic with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. For something extra special, serve with garlic bread or breadsticks—perfect for swiping up every last trace of creamy Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or add steamed broccoli, chopped spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for pops of color and nutrition. You can even use a mix of different pastas for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Let your bake cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It will easily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making tasty lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake right up through layering in the cheese, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
To reheat, pop slices in the microwave in short bursts until hot, or bake in a covered dish at 350°F until warmed through. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk or Alfredo sauce before reheating to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Rotini, rigatoni, ziti, or even shells all work well in this recipe. Just aim for a short, sturdy pasta that will hold onto the sauce and cheese.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this casserole?
You can quickly cook chicken breasts in a skillet or oven, but rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a huge time-saver and adds a lovely, tender texture.
How can I sneak in extra veggies?
Simply stir in steamed broccoli florets, chopped spinach, or even peas with the cooked chicken and pasta. The creamy sauce makes veggies extra appealing for picky eaters.
Is there a lighter way to make Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake?
For a lighter version, use light ricotta, reduced-fat sour cream, and part-skim mozzarella. You can also swap in whole wheat pasta and load up on the veggies!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the whole bake (minus the final cheese topping, if you wish), cover and refrigerate for up to a day before you want to bake it. Add the cheese just before baking for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for that ultimate comfort food dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds, look no further than this Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. It’s hearty, lightning-fast to prepare, and always delivers serious cheesy satisfaction. You’ll love how simple it is—and you might just find it becoming your new favorite weeknight recipe!
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Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. A comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sauce: In a large bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, ricotta cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta and chicken, mix well.
- Layer and bake: Spread mixture in baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Try swapping penne for rotini or shells if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
