Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Name: Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup parmesan, grated; 2 cups mozzarella, shredded; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction: Comfort Food in a Flash

After a long day, there’s nothing like digging into a bubbly, golden Chicken Alfredo bake – that perfect combo of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and luxuriously creamy sauce. As a chef who’s cooked for countless families, I’ve streamlined this classic to be:

Faster than delivery (seriously, just 30 minutes!)
Creamier than most restaurant versions (thanks to a kitchen trick)
Flexible for any schedule (make-ahead/freezer-friendly)
Kid-approved but gourmet enough for guests

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or craving cozy comfort food, this recipe is your new weeknight hero. Let’s get baking!

Why This Recipe Beats Takeout

✔ **12forafamily−sizedportion∗∗vs.12forafamily−sizedportion∗∗vs.30+ delivery
✔ No soggy pasta – Our baking method prevents mushiness
✔ Customizable richness (lighten it up or go extra indulgent)
✔ One-dish wonder – Minimal cleanup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Penne pasta	12 oz	Uncooked (or rigatoni)
Chicken breast	1.5 lbs	Diced small
Heavy cream	2 cups	For silkier sauce
Parmesan	1 cup	Freshly grated
Mozzarella	2 cups	Shredded
Garlic	4 cloves	Minced
Butter	3 tbsp	Unsalted
Flour	3 tbsp	For roux
Nutmeg	1/4 tsp	Secret flavor booster

Pro Tip: For extra creamy sauce, warm your cream first and add it gradually!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Pasta Smart

Boil in very salty water for 2 minutes less than package says
Drain but reserve 1 cup pasta water

2. Make the Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter, sauté garlic 30 sec
Whisk in flour to make roux (1 min)
Slowly add warm cream while whisking
Stir in parmesan until smooth

3. Combine & Bake

Toss pasta, sauce, chicken in baking dish
Top with mozzarella
Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly

4. Chef’s Finishing Touch

For restaurant-quality presentation:

Broil 2 minutes for golden top
Garnish with fresh parsley + cracked pepper
Let rest 5 minutes before serving

5 Next-Level Variations

Buffalo Style – Add 1/4 cup hot sauce + blue cheese
Veggie-Packed – Spinach + sun-dried tomatoes
Gluten-Free – GF pasta + cornstarch slurry
Keto – Zucchini noodles + extra cream
Truffle – Drizzle with truffle oil before serving

Golden bubbly chicken Alfredo bake in white ceramic dish with melted cheese and parsley garnish — Restaurant-worthy Alfredo bake at home in 30 minutes! The ultimate comfort food

Storage & Reheating

✔ Fridge: 3 days (cover tightly)
✔ Freezer: 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating)
✔ Reheat: 350°F for 20 mins with splash of milk

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/6 of recipe):

Calories: 580
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 28g

FAQs

What does Alfredo taste like?

Authentic Alfredo sauce tastes rich, buttery, and cheesy with a smooth, velvety texture. Our version enhances this with garlic and a hint of nutmeg for depth. Unlike jarred sauces, homemade Alfredo has a fresher, more balanced flavor without artificial aftertaste.

What temperature do you bake chicken Alfredo at?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes. This ensures:
Even heating without drying out the chicken
Perfect cheese melt
Golden crust formation
Pro Tip: Broil for 2 extra minutes for a restaurant-quality finish!

Does chicken Alfredo freeze well?

Yes! Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months:
Assemble in freezer-safe dish
Wrap tightly in plastic + foil
Thaw overnight before baking
Note: Cream-based sauces may separate slightly – just stir well when reheating.

How do you know when Alfredo is done?

Look for these signs:
Bubbling edges
Golden-brown cheese topping
Internal temp of 165°F (for chicken)
Sauce thickened (coats pasta evenly)

Is chicken Alfredo a good meal?

Nutritionally balanced when made with our recipe:
✔ High protein (42g/serving from chicken + dairy)
✔ Energy-rich carbs (pasta fuels activity)
✔ Calcium from cheese
✔ Customizable (add veggies for fiber)
For lighter versions: Use whole wheat pasta and reduce cream.