Creamy alfredo pasta with chicken baked to golden perfection
Baked Chicken Alfredo
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
1 casserole dish
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Baked Chicken Alfredo
Creamy alfredo pasta with chicken baked to golden perfection
★4.6(24)
Penne pasta and seasoned chicken tossed in a rich Parmesan alfredo sauce, topped with mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly. A crowd-pleasing comfort classic.
15m
Prep Time
30m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This baked chicken alfredo turns a stovetop classic into a cheesy, golden casserole that feeds a crowd. Baking the alfredo pasta with a mozzarella topping creates an irresistible cheesy crust.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 cups alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Cook penne 2 minutes less than package directions (al dente). Drain and return to the pot.
- 2
Toss pasta with alfredo sauce, chicken, spinach (if using), and half the mozzarella.
- 3
Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 4
Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- 5
Broil 2-3 minutes for a golden, crispy cheese top. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Jarred alfredo sauceHomemade Parmesan cream sauce
Homemade is richer and more flavorful
ChickenShrimp or Italian sausage
Both pair beautifully with alfredo sauce
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes since it continues cooking in the oven.
Add broccoli florets or sun-dried tomatoes for color and extra vegetables.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered at 350°F for 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (70mg) · 8 servings
Calories450
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates20g
Fat40g
Fiber680mg
Sugar2g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make alfredo sauce from scratch?
- Melt 4 tbsp butter, add 2 cups cream, simmer, then stir in 1 cup Parmesan until smooth.
- Can I use a different pasta?
- Rigatoni, rotini, or shells all hold the creamy sauce well.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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