Classic Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s make sure you have everything you need for this creamy and comforting dish. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients:

Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This is the perfect protein choice for this recipe. It’s lean, cooks quickly, and takes on the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Pasta

• Fettuccine or penne pasta: You can use any pasta you prefer, but fettuccine is the classic choice when it comes to Alfredo dishes. It holds the sauce well and makes every bite rich and satisfying.

Alfredo Sauce

• Heavy cream: This is the secret to getting that luxurious creamy texture for the sauce. It’s rich, velvety, and a must for a true Alfredo experience.
• Butter: A couple of tablespoons of butter will enrich the sauce and add a deep flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for building the base flavor of the Alfredo sauce. It pairs so well with the cream and cheese!
• Parmesan cheese: You can’t have Alfredo without Parmesan. It melts beautifully, giving the sauce its signature sharp and savory flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: For that golden, cheesy topping and that melty texture everyone loves.

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper: These basics are essential for seasoning and balancing the rich flavors of the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A dash of Italian seasoning adds a touch of herbaceous goodness to the sauce.

Preparing Your Chicken Alfredo Bake: Step-by-Step Guide

So, you have all the ingredients—now what? Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

The first step is to cook the chicken breasts. Here’s a simple method to do so:

1. Season your chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
3. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. You want it juicy, so be sure not to overcook it!
4. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, start boiling your pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente (just a minute or two shy of fully cooked).
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve a cup of pasta water for later use—it can help loosen up the sauce if needed.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Now, let’s make the rich, creamy sauce:

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the garlic and butter.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted into a velvety consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, let’s bring everything together:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is distributed throughout.
2. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Alfredo

The final step is baking:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta and chicken mixture. The more cheese, the better!
3. Bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, with a golden, crispy top.