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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake: Easy Weeknight Dinner

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This creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes. With simple ingredients like pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cream cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cups (about 450g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 2 cups (480ml) Alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta to al dente, 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well (do not rinse).
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, sautéed garlic and butter, and heavy cream (if using). Stir until cream cheese is mostly melted.
  5. Reserve 1 cup of mozzarella for topping. Mix remaining mozzarella and all Parmesan into the pasta mixture.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  7. Top with reserved mozzarella, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, broil for the last 2 minutes.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta; undercook by at least 1 minute. Soften cream cheese for smooth incorporation. Use room temperature chicken. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Watch salt levels as jarred sauce and Parmesan are salty. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, pasta bake, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, casserole, comfort food

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