How to make a cheesy chicken alfredo pasta bake

Craving a comforting meal that’s both cheesy and satisfying? Look no further than this delicious chicken Alfredo pasta recipe. This baked pasta casserole combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce for a dish that’s sure to please the whole family. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, this cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to create a mouthwatering casserole from scratch. We’ll cover everything from preparing the chicken and pasta to making a silky smooth Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. You’ll also discover how to assemble and bake the casserole to achieve that golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken for convenience or cooking your own, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

To create this delectable chicken Alfredo pasta recipe, one needs to gather a variety of ingredients that work together to produce a rich and satisfying casserole. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Pasta

The foundation of this dish is a 16-ounce package of penne pasta. This short, tube-shaped pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce and mixing well with the other ingredients. However, other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli can also be used effectively.

Chicken

For the protein component, the recipe calls for 2-3 cups of cooked, chopped chicken. A convenient option is to use rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds flavor. Alternatively, one can cook and cube boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Alfredo Sauce

The creamy Alfredo sauce is the heart of this dish. While homemade sauce offers control over ingredients and flavor, store-bought options provide convenience. For a homemade version, one needs:

• Heavy cream (2 1/2 cups)
• Butter
• Minced garlic cloves
• Chicken broth (2 1/2 cups)

Some recipes also include cream cheese for extra richness.

Cheeses

A combination of cheeses gives this bake its irresistible cheesy quality:

• Parmesan cheese (1/4 to 3/4 cup, freshly grated if possible)
• Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
• Ricotta cheese (15-ounce container)

These ingredients come together to create a comforting, cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake that’s sure to satisfy any craving for Italian-inspired comfort food.

Preparing the Chicken and Pasta

Cooking the Pasta

To begin, one should bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Once boiling, 12 ounces of penne pasta should be added and cooked according to the package directions, stirring occasionally. This typically takes about 11 minutes for the pasta to become tender yet firm to the bite, achieving the desired al dente texture. After cooking, the pasta should be drained and set aside.

Preparing the Chicken

For the chicken component, there are several options available. One convenient method is to use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds flavor to the dish. Alternatively, one can cook chicken breasts from scratch. To do this, heat olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Season the chicken with salt and garlic powder on both sides. Cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 165°F (74°C), which takes about 6 minutes per side.

Another method involves placing the chicken in a pot, covering it with water, and bringing it to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the centers and the juices run clear for approximately 15 minutes.

Regardless of the cooking method chosen, the final step is to cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces or 1/2-inch cubes. The recipe requires about 3 cups of diced cooked chicken.

Making the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

The heart of this chicken Alfredo pasta recipe lies in its rich and velvety sauce. Creating a homemade Alfredo sauce from scratch allows for control over ingredients and flavor, resulting in a superior taste compared to store-bought alternatives.

Creating the Roux

To begin, one should melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, minced garlic should be added and sautéed until golden, which typically takes 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses the butter with a delicious garlic flavor. Next, the heat should be reduced to medium-low, and flour should be gradually stirred in until smooth. This mixture of fat and flour, known as a roux, serves as the base for the sauce and helps to thicken it.

Adding Liquids and Seasonings

Once the roux has cooked for about 3 to 5 minutes, it’s time to add the liquids. Warm milk should be slowly whisked into the roux, about 1/2 cup at a time. It’s important to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce will go through several stages of consistency, from clumpy to smooth, as more milk is added. Heavy cream can also be incorporated at this stage for extra richness. The sauce should be allowed to simmer, whisking frequently, until it has thickened slightly.

Incorporating Cheese

The final step is to add the cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese should be stirred in until melted and fully incorporated. Some recipes also call for the addition of mozzarella or other Italian cheeses for extra flavor and creaminess. Salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like Italian herbs or a pinch of nutmeg can be added to taste. The sauce should be simmered for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency, keeping in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Layering the Ingredients

To assemble the casserole, one should start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). A 9×13-inch baking dish should be greased with butter or cooking spray. The layering process begins with a base of cooked pasta spread evenly across the bottom of the dish. Next, half of the cubed chicken is placed on top of the pasta. The creamy Alfredo sauce is then poured over the chicken, covering it completely. This layering process is repeated once more with the remaining pasta, chicken, and sauce. For added flavor and texture, grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled generously over the top layer.

Baking Instructions

Once the casserole is assembled, it should be covered tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture and ensure even cooking. The covered dish is then placed in the preheated oven and baked for approximately 15 minutes, or until the sauce begins to bubble. After this initial baking period, the foil is removed to allow the cheese to brown and crisp. The casserole is returned to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. During this time, the cheese should melt and turn a golden color. For those who prefer a more browned top, the dish can be placed under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but careful monitoring is necessary to prevent burning. Once the cheese has reached the desired level of golden crispness, the casserole is ready to be removed from the oven. It’s recommended to let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to portion.

Conclusion

This cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake brings together simple ingredients to create a comforting and satisfying meal. By combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you opt for the convenience of rotisserie chicken or cook your own, the result is a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

From preparing the chicken and pasta to crafting the velvety Alfredo sauce and assembling the layers, this recipe provides a step-by-step guide to achieving pasta perfection. The golden, bubbly cheese topping adds the finishing touch to this hearty dish. So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting Italian-inspired meal, give this cheesy chicken Alfredo pasta bake a try – it’s bound to hit the spot and leave everyone asking for seconds.