Ah, the Chicken Alfredo Bake! Imagine a cozy family dinner where everyone gathers around a bubbling, cheesy dish. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. The rich, creamy Alfredo sauce envelops tender pieces of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a favorite for all ages. When your dinner companions take that first bite, you will surely see smiles all around!
Making this dish is an excellent way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table without any fuss. The ingredients are straightforward, and the cooking steps are easy to follow. This makes Chicken Alfredo Bake perfect even for novice cooks. You can whip it up for a family gathering or even a casual weeknight dinner. With just a little effort, you can create something truly special.
Lastly, Chicken Alfredo Bake is perfect for meal planning. You can prepare it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and pop it into the oven for a quick dinner. It reheats well, making it ideal for leftovers. Each bite brings comfort, and you will definitely consider making it a regular in your meal rotation.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients:
12 oz. pkg penne pasta
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
Vegetable oil
1⁄4 tsp thyme
1⁄4 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 TB olive oil
1⁄2 c butter
2 tsp minced garlic
4 TB all-purpose flour
3 c half and half
3 c milk
3 c Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
Italian Seasoning, for garnish
Directions:
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in Italian dressing if you like. This helps add flavor! Slice them in half to make them thinner for cooking.
Next, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
Now, in a skillet, heat 1 – 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s done, then take it off the heat and let it cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In another large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic and cook for just 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour until it bubbles, then slowly add in the half and half and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of the Italian Five Cheese Blend until it melts, and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Cut your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the wonderful sauce over this mix and stir it all together.
Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray and spoon the pasta mixture into it.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese over the top, adding a little sprinkle of pepper for good measure.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that extra flair.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Bake
When serving Chicken Alfredo Bake, it’s wonderful to see a big, cheesy slice come out of the pan. This dish shines as a centerpiece at the table! Serve it hot and bubbly, and don’t forget to offer extra cheese for those who crave an even cheesier experience. A side salad or some crunchy garlic bread pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
As you serve, consider presenting it family-style. Let everyone help themselves to a generous serving, allowing everyone to experience the joy of digging in together. It creates a warm atmosphere that is perfect for fostering connection and conversation.
For a delightful touch, pair your Chicken Alfredo Bake with a light white wine or sparkling water. The crispness of the drink can balance the richness of the dish perfectly, making each bite of your savory bake that much more delightful.
Additional Tips:
To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding steamed vegetables such as broccoli or spinach into the mix!
You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella or parmesan could be delightful additions.
Nutrition Facts:
(Approximate values per serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
FAQ Section
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it later. Just remember to increase the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, Chicken Alfredo Bake can be frozen! Just be sure to cover it tightly before freezing. Allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Enjoy this delightful Chicken Alfredo Bake that brings comfort, joy, and plenty of flavor to your kitchen! It’s a classic dish that is sure to please everyone gathered around your table. Happy cooking!
Print Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
12 oz. pkg penne pasta
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
Vegetable oil
1⁄4 tsp thyme
1⁄4 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 TB olive oil
1⁄2 c butter
2 tsp minced garlic
4 TB all-purpose flour
3 c half and half
3 c milk
3 c Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
Italian Seasoning, for garnish
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in Italian dressing if you like. This helps add flavor! Slice them in half to make them thinner for cooking.
Next, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside.
Now, in a skillet, heat 1 – 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s done, then take it off the heat and let it cool.
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In another large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic and cook for just 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour until it bubbles, then slowly add in the half and half and milk. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of the Italian Five Cheese Blend until it melts, and the sauce thickens beautifully.
Cut your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the wonderful sauce over this mix and stir it all together.
Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray and spoon the pasta mixture into it.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of cheese over the top, adding a little sprinkle of pepper for good measure.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the dish is bubbly and golden brown.
Before serving, garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for that extra flair.
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