All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
This Baked Chicken Alfredo stands out as a comforting, creamy dish that perfectly balances indulgence with nutrition.
Featuring tender chicken breast and al dente pasta, it delivers a hearty dose of protein, making it a satisfying meal that supports muscle health and energy.
The homemade Alfredo sauce, crafted from butter, garlic, half-and-half, and cheeses, provides rich flavors along with good fats essential for brain and heart function.
While indulgent, this recipe can fit well into a balanced diet, especially when paired with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Its quick prep and bake time make it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy and impressive.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9×13 Inch Baking Dish
Essential for evenly baking the chicken and pasta together, this versatile dish also works great for casseroles and lasagnas, making it a staple for family dinners.
Large Skillet
Perfect for sautéing garlic and creating the creamy Alfredo sauce, a heavy-bottom skillet ensures even heat distribution and prevents scorching, ideal for sauces and sautés alike.
Whisk
Vital for smoothly blending the half-and-half and seasonings into the melted butter, a sturdy whisk helps create silky, lump-free sauces and is invaluable for baking and cooking tasks.
Pasta Pot
Designed for boiling pasta efficiently with a strainer insert, this pot simplifies draining and ensures perfectly cooked noodles every time, a must for any pasta-based dish.
30-Minutes Baked Chicken Alfredo
Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch baking dish
- 1 Large Skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Pasta pot
Ingredients
- 16 oz penne pasta cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups half-and-half
- 1 tsp garlic parsley salt
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta Perfectly: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package directions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente—tender but still firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside. It’s important not to overcook the pasta here, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Cook and Chop Chicken: If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, prepare it now. You can poach, grill, or bake boneless chicken breasts until fully cooked and juicy. Once cooled slightly, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using cooked chicken ensures the meat stays tender and moist after baking and evenly distributes protein throughout the dish.
- Assemble Pasta and Chicken Base: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta and chopped chicken evenly. Toss gently to distribute the chicken pieces throughout the pasta layer, creating a balanced base that will absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Sauté Garlic in Butter: Place a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the pan gently to coat the surface. Once the butter is melted and starts to foam, add the minced garlic. Stir the garlic frequently for about 1 to 2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden but not burnt. This step infuses the butter with rich garlic aroma, forming the flavor foundation of the Alfredo sauce.
- Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Slowly pour the half-and-half into the skillet with the garlic butter, stirring continuously with a whisk to combine. Sprinkle in the garlic parsley salt to season the sauce evenly. Continue whisking while bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.The sauce should start to thicken slightly—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. Be patient and avoid boiling vigorously to prevent curdling. The whisking ensures a smooth texture and prevents lumps.
- Incorporate Cheeses into Sauce: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Let the cheese melt fully and blend into the sauce, creating a rich and velvety consistency. Once Parmesan is well incorporated, add the Mozzarella cheese.Stir until the mozzarella melts and the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy. This double-cheese blend adds depth and gooey texture to the sauce.
- Combine Sauce with Pasta and Chicken: Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta and chicken mixture in the baking dish. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss and mix everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the luscious sauce. This step ensures every bite is creamy and flavorful.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes. During this time, the sauce will thicken further, and the top will develop a light golden crust, especially where the cheese meets the air. Baking melds the flavors and creates a comforting, hearty casserole texture. For an extra golden finish, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.This resting period lets the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and helping the flavors meld. It also prevents the dish from being too hot to enjoy right away.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions of the creamy baked chicken Alfredo onto plates. For a complete meal, serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. Enjoy this rich, comforting classic that combines ease, flavor, and nutrition in every bite.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Avoid boiling the half-and-half too aggressively to prevent curdling.
- Cook pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For extra richness, substitute part of the half-and-half with heavy cream.
- Let the baked dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garlic parsley salt can be replaced with regular salt and dried parsley.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers to save prep time and add flavor depth.
Chef’s Secrets to Creamy Perfection
Achieving a silky Alfredo sauce starts with slowly melting butter and gently sautéing garlic to release its aroma without burning.
Incorporating half-and-half gradually while whisking prevents lumps and keeps the sauce smooth.
Simmering over medium heat thickens the sauce naturally—avoid high heat to maintain a creamy texture without separation.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated and adds authentic cheesy depth.
Combining both Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses creates a perfect balance of sharp flavor and gooey creaminess.
Baking the assembled dish just long enough develops a lightly golden crust, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Lastly, resting the casserole before serving helps the sauce thicken and the flavors meld, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
This baked chicken Alfredo shines as a comforting weeknight dinner or a special family gathering dish.
Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce.
Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness and color to the plate.
For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
For a lighter twist, serve smaller portions alongside a tomato-based side salad.
This versatile dish also makes excellent leftovers, reheating beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
To store leftover baked chicken Alfredo, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to restore creaminess if the sauce thickens too much.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best flavor and texture. Always check for freshness before serving leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne works well, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.
2. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute the half-and-half with unsweetened plant-based milk like cashew or oat milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a creamy, vegan-friendly dish.
3. How can I make it lower in calories?
Use half the cheese amount or opt for reduced-fat cheeses. Additionally, substitute half-and-half with skim milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh just before serving for best texture.
5. What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts are leaner.
This recipe is inspired by momsdish and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
