Baked chicken alfredo pasta is a dish that brings together creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta in one dreamy bite. The comforting aroma wafts through the kitchen, making everyone feel like they’ve just stepped into a cozy Italian bistro.
Picture this: after a long day of work, you open your fridge and see a lonely box of fettuccine, some chicken breasts that are starting to look at you funny, and a block of Parmesan cheese that’s practically begging to be grated. You know it’s time for some baked chicken alfredo pasta magic.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked chicken alfredo pasta is a breeze to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Creamy and cheesy, it’s a flavor explosion that pleases both kids and adults alike
- Visually stunning with its golden top, it makes any dinner table feel like a feast
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins, this dish fits every palate
One time, I prepared this dish for my family during a surprise visit from my cousin. The laughter echoed around the dinner table as we dove into the cheesy goodness. My cousin declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which made me laugh because I was pretty sure bread had always been amazing!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size or hunger level.
Pasta: Fettuccine is ideal for its ability to hold onto that luscious sauce.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness; don’t skimp on it unless you want a sad sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated will melt better and enhance flavor; store-bought just won’t cut it.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they add an aromatic punch that pre-packaged garlic just can’t match.
Butter: For sautéing the garlic and adding depth of flavor; you can never go wrong with butter.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness on top when serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan. Cook until golden brown on both sides—around 6-7 minutes per side—and fully cooked through.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly to combine smoothly.
Add Cheese and Combine Everything Together: Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Mix cooked pasta into the sauce along with chopped chicken for an even distribution of flavors.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired for an irresistible crust. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
This baked chicken alfredo pasta will surely become a household favorite! Enjoy this warm embrace of flavors as soon as it comes out of the oven—your family will thank you!
You Must Know
- This baked chicken alfredo pasta is creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be made ahead!
- The blend of flavors creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making your family eager for dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta al dente. Sear the chicken until golden, then mix it with a creamy Alfredo sauce before combining everything and baking until bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Adding veggies like broccoli or spinach can amp up nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cook your pasta just until al dente for the best texture when baked
- Use freshly grated cheese for a creamier sauce and optimal melting quality
- Let it rest before serving; this helps the flavors meld beautifully
I once prepared this baked chicken alfredo pasta for a family gathering, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it! It felt great to see their joy over such a simple dish.
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta for baked chicken alfredo pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or rotini.
How can I make baked chicken alfredo pasta healthier?
Consider adding vegetables or using whole grain pasta to boost nutritional value.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Baked chicken alfredo pasta is the ultimate comfort dish that combines creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tender fettuccine into a deliciously satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
- Add minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream until combined.
- Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Mix in cooked pasta and chopped chicken.
- Transfer to greased baking dish; sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
