Description
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake with Mozzarella Crust is the kind of comfort food that makes dinner feel instantly special. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and a bubbly mozzarella topping come together in one easy recipe that is perfect for a quick dinner, family meal, easy dinner idea, cozy casserole night, or make-ahead food idea. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, warm, and satisfying, with a golden top that makes this baked pasta impossible to resist.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the penne in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta before baking, because it will keep softening in the oven and can turn mushy instead of perfectly tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg