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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Bake

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo Bake - featured image
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This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing family dinner perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie, baked, or poached)
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, shells, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional add-in)
  • 1/2 cup steamed broccoli florets (optional add-in)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional add-in)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. Dice or shred cooked chicken. Remove skin and bones if using rotisserie chicken.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in milk and heavy cream. Add softened cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth (2-3 minutes).
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes until sauce is thick and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Gently fold in any optional add-ins (spinach, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes) if desired.
  8. Spread mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned. For a crispier top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and fresh garlic. Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness. Sauce can be adjusted for thickness by adding more milk or Parmesan. Add-ins like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes boost nutrition and flavor. Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk to keep creamy. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, creamy casserole, family dinner, comfort food, easy chicken recipe, pasta bake, garlic parmesan, weeknight meal

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