Name: Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast; 12 ounces penne pasta; 3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that combines all the comforting flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in every spoonful — that’s the irresistible allure of Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. This dish pulls together weeknight convenience and pure Italian-American comfort, making it a crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and friendly get-togethers. Each forkful promises savory satisfaction, with every layer bringing a different texture and cheesy delight. If you’re ready to treat yourself to a meal that feels both homey and special, this is the bake you’ll want to make again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering up your ingredients for Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake is refreshingly straightforward, and each component truly matters. These familiar favorites come together to create a symphony of creamy, savory, and cheesy magic—no fancy extras required, just good food that brings everyone running to the table!

Cooked and shredded chicken breast: Brings lean protein and soaks up the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully; rotisserie or grilled chicken adds extra depth.
Penne pasta: Its ridged shape catches all that sauce and cheese, making every bite extra luscious.
Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought): The luscious glue that marries chicken, pasta, and cheese together in creamy dreaminess.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives the bake its famous melty, stretchy cheesy topping—you’ll love that golden finish!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertones and helps create that crave-worthy golden top.
Ricotta cheese: Sneaks in extra creaminess and a gentle tang, ensuring the bake is never dry.
Garlic powder: Delivers subtle warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Just enough bite to balance the richness and lift the other flavors.
Salt: Brings every ingredient into flavorful harmony; adjust if your sauce is already salty.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness right at the end.

How to Make Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite is perfect since the pasta will finish cooking in the oven. Drain well, shake off excess water, and set aside. This way, your Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake never turns soggy and always has that ideal pasta texture.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and shredded chicken with Alfredo sauce, creamy ricotta, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and coated. This is where aroma starts to fill your kitchen and you get a sneak peek (and taste, if you “accidentally” sample a spoonful) of all the flavors to come!

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Fold your perfectly cooked penne into the chicken-Alfredo mixture, stirring gently so you don’t break up the tender noodles. Be sure every piece of pasta is generously coated—this ensures that every single bite of your Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake is rich and flavorful from edge to edge.

Step 4: Layer and Top with Cheese

Pour the filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Then, generously sprinkle mozzarella over the entire surface, followed by the grated Parmesan. This step is pure anticipation, knowing that in just a short time you’ll have that drool-worthy golden topping!

Step 5: Bake

Slide your dish into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for hot, bubbly, cheesy perfection with edges that just begin to brown. Resist the urge to dig in right away—letting it sit for five minutes post-baking makes slicing and serving much easier (and saves your tongue from molten cheese!).

How to Serve Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake

Garnishes

A finishing scatter of chopped fresh parsley transforms Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake from simple comfort food into a visually irresistible centerpiece. Not only does parsley add a dose of garden-fresh color, but those subtle herbal notes balance the rich creaminess. Want extra flavor? Try a light dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pairing this hearty bake with a crisp Caesar salad or simple garden salad adds freshness and crunch. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is ideal for scooping up extra sauce. If you’re after a veggie boost, roast or steam some broccoli, asparagus, or green beans alongside—each is a natural partner for all that cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake in individual ramekins gives each guest their own bubbling mini casserole. For a fun family-style twist, scoop onto plates and top each portion with a twist of black pepper and more chopped herbs. You can even layer the bake into oven-safe soup mugs for a cozy, rustic vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake makes amazing leftovers! Simply let the dish cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; the flavors seem to meld and deepen even more by the next day.

Freezing

To make life even easier, assemble the bake but hold off on baking. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed—adding an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time as needed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved; just use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep things moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for its sauce-grabbing shape, you can use ziti, rigatoni, rotini, or even shells. Just remember to cook the pasta until al dente before baking for best texture.

Can I make Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free penne and ensure your Alfredo sauce is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are typically safe, making this an easy adaptation for gluten-sensitive folks.

Is it possible to add vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Toss in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or even roasted bell peppers with the chicken for a veggie-forward twist. Not only does this add pops of color, but it makes the Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake heartier and a bit healthier.

What kind of Alfredo sauce works best?

Both homemade and high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauces work wonderfully. If you have time, homemade sauce can be tailored to your desired creaminess and garlic level. Store-bought saves precious minutes and keeps things ultra convenient!

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it warm up on the counter for 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver for busy days or when entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing comfort dish, there’s nothing quite like a homemade Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. This recipe brings together all the best flavors and textures of classic Italian-American cooking in one easy-to-make, family-friendly pan. I hope you’ll whip it up soon and enjoy sharing it just as much as I do—your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of this Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all baked together with a trio of cheeses for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bake:

3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
12 ounces penne pasta
3 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine chicken, Alfredo sauce, ricotta, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta and mix.
Assemble: Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.