If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this incredible Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. Bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken nestled in perfectly cooked pasta, this dish elevates classic comfort food to a new level. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy nights, the rich sauce and satisfying textures make every bite unforgettable—and yes, it even freezes beautifully for a quick meal anytime you need it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients neatly placed on a white marbled surface. There are clear glass bowls filled with cooked cubed chicken, yellow dry penne pasta, shredded white and yellow cheeses, and a bowl with a creamy white liquid. Smaller bowls contain butter chunks, white powder (flour), cream cheese, and grated cheese in a metal measuring cup. Additional small bowls hold salt, minced garlic, a light beige powder, and granulated seasoning. Fresh green parsley sprigs are placed at the corners, and a large white mixing bowl with a whisk is partly visible at the top right. The arrangement is clean and organized, highlighting the ingredients before cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe comes together with simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its rich flavor and creamy texture. From the buttery, cheesy sauce to the juicy chicken and perfectly al dente pasta, every element is a delight on its own but magical when combined.

16 ounces penne rigata pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridged texture, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
6 tablespoons butter: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, adding richness and depth.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce and keep it creamy even after freezing and reheating.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that elevates the creamy sauce.
4 cups heavy whipping cream: Delivers the silky, indulgent body that defines Alfredo sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
1 teaspoon garlic salt (optional): For a bolder garlic flavor if you love that garlicky kick.
1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Gives a gentle heat without overpowering.
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that melts into the sauce for its signature tangy bite.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey stretch and additional creaminess.
2 ounces cream cheese (softened): Boosts the texture, making the sauce ultra-smooth.
2-3 chicken breasts (cooked and diced): Tender protein that makes this bake hearty and satisfying.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh pop of green color and light herbal note.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by preparing the penne rigata pasta according to the package directions, but stop when it reaches an al dente stage. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so this step is important to avoid mushiness. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 2 to 3 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce perfectly. Add minced garlic, heavy whipping cream, and season with salt, white pepper, and garlic salt if you’re using it. Incorporate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is smooth and the cheese has melted.

Step 3: Thicken and Finalize the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently so it doesn’t stick or burn. It should thicken into a luscious, creamy sauce by the end. Remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and softened cream cheese until fully melted, then taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour in the creamy sauce. Add the diced cooked chicken and gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the velvety sauce, and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole that has two main layers; the bottom layer is penne pasta mixed with creamy sauce and small bits of chicken, with a slightly browned, melted cheese layer on top sprinkled with small green parsley pieces. To the left, a white bread basket lined with a blue and white striped cloth holds several golden brown breadsticks. On the top right, a clear glass bowl contains a fresh salad of mixed green and purple lettuce leaves with some red tomato pieces, all placed on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon with a dark handle rests near the bottom right corner on the marble. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful color contrast and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe perfectly. If you love a little texture, toasted breadcrumbs can also add a satisfying crunch on top.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh greens like a Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provide bright, healthy accompaniments to this hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe in individual ramekins or use mini cast-iron skillets to give your guests an intimate, personalized experience. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan and broil for a couple of minutes to turn the top into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly once chilled, but reheating brings back that silky texture easily.

Freezing

This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, let it cool completely. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, label it, and pop it in the freezer. For best results, use a disposable aluminum pan, especially if you plan to bake straight from frozen later.

Reheating

If frozen, thaw the bake overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a preheated 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbly. To refresh the creamy texture, you can cover it with foil during most of the reheating time and remove the foil at the last few minutes to brown the crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne rigata is great for holding onto the sauce, other pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle work beautifully. Just make sure to cook them al dente to prevent mushiness in the bake.

What kind of chicken works best?

Grilled chicken breast adds a lovely smoky dimension, but any cooked chicken you have on hand will do. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and keeps the process quick and easy.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?

Yes! That’s one of the best things about this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe. The addition of flour in the sauce helps maintain its creamy texture after being frozen and reheated, making it a perfect freezer meal.

Can I make this dairy-free or lighter?

This recipe is naturally rich and creamy, but you could experiment with dairy-free substitutes like coconut cream and vegan cheeses. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the cheese amounts, though it will affect the signature richness.

How can I add more vegetables to the bake?

Add steamed or sautéed veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mixture before baking. They provide extra flavor, nutrition, and color to the dish without overwhelming the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is truly a culinary treasure—rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it fresh for a family dinner or freezing it to save time later, it’s guaranteed to disappear fast. Trust me, once you try it, this dish will become a regular feature in your meal rotation, bringing creamy happiness to your table again and again.