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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe with Gooey Cheese Crust Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake with a gooey cheese crust, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce topped with a blend of melted cheeses.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups jarred Alfredo sauce or homemade
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne or rigatoni pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. If using leftover cooked chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking fresh, sauté 2 cups of chicken breast pieces in 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat with minced garlic until cooked through and slightly golden, about 6-8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of Alfredo sauce with ½ cup of milk or cream to loosen it slightly. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth and well blended.
  4. Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken to the bowl with the sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash more milk.
  5. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan, and ½ cup shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish on the middle rack and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Loosen Alfredo sauce with milk or cream to keep pasta moist. Use a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar for depth of flavor. Avoid overcooking pasta before baking. Watch cheese crust carefully to prevent burning; tent with foil if needed. Let bake cool before serving for easier slicing. Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken Alfredo, pasta bake, creamy pasta, cheesy crust, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-pasta-bake-recipe-with-gooey-cheese-crust-easy-and-perfect/