Description
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a creamy, comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden, cheesy perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, this easy-to-make casserole delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz short pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 2½ cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (or other cooked and chopped chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly mist a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish. In the prepared dish, add uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and chopped cooked chicken. Stir thoroughly to evenly mix all ingredients. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper, adjusting the taste as desired.
- Bake Covered. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and heat for even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and absorb the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking. Carefully remove the foil without burning yourself. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pasta. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve. Let the pasta bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set and cool slightly. Serve warm for the best creamy and cheesy flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked shredded chicken with leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes along with the seasonings.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a little extra Alfredo sauce or cream before baking.
- Make sure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil during the first baking phase to ensure the pasta cooks thoroughly.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to bake time if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
