Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 740 calories per serving. Recipe by Eating on a Dime on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 46 min | Total: 1 hr 13 min

Cost: $8.55 total, $1.43 per serving

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Penne Pasta (dry, uncooked)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic (fresh minced garlic)
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
  • 2 cups Whole Milk (2% or whole milk)
  • 1.5 cups Heavy Cream (heavy whipping cream)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided: 0.5 cup in sauce, 0.5 cup for topping)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 3 cups Cooked Chicken (diced cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
  • 1 spray Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (lightly coat baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

    Set the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13‑inch baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  2. Cook Penne Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne, and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 10‑12 minutes. Drain using a colander.

    Time: PT12M

  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

    In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5‑7 minutes). Stir in the grated Parmesan, ½ cup shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper until smooth.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

    In a large mixing bowl combine the cooked penne, diced cooked chicken, and the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Topping

    Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded mozzarella over the top.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Bake the Casserole

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15‑20 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the cheese on top is beautifully golden.

    Time: PT18M

    Temperature: 350°F

  7. Garnish and Serve

    Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if desired. Serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
740
Protein
13g
Carbohydrates
34g
Fat
30g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein, Comfort food

Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Wheat (gluten)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Chicken Alfredo Bake

Recipe by Eating on a Dime

A comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish featuring al dente penne tossed with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, diced cooked chicken, and plenty of mozzarella and parmesan. Perfect for a quick family dinner and serves six.

EasyItalian-AmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
48m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 3m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.55
Total cost
$1.43
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cook the penne al dente so it retains texture after baking
  • Whisk the sauce continuously to achieve a smooth, thick consistency without lumps
  • Bake until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling for optimal flavor and texture

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot pasta with care to avoid burns
  • The skillet and baking dish will be very hot; use oven mitts
  • Heavy cream can scorch if the heat is too high; keep at medium heat

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is an American adaptation of the classic Italian Alfredo sauce, which originated in early 20th‑century Rome as a simple butter‑and‑parmesan mixture. In the United States, the sauce was enriched with cream and often combined with pasta, chicken, and baked, creating a hearty comfort‑food staple for family meals.

cultural
Q

How does Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake differ from traditional Italian Alfredo pasta?

A

Traditional Italian Alfredo is a stovetop dish of fettuccine tossed with butter, Parmesan, and sometimes cream, served immediately. The baked version adds cooked chicken, extra mozzarella, and a golden crust from the oven, turning it into a casserole that’s more filling and suitable for leftovers.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of baked Alfredo dishes exist within the United States?

A

In the Midwest, baked alfredo often includes broccoli or spinach for added nutrition. In the South, a touch of Cajun seasoning may be added for heat. Some West Coast versions swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or add smoked salmon for a coastal twist.

cultural
Q

During what occasions is Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake traditionally served in American families?

A

It’s a popular weeknight dinner because it’s quick and comforting, but it also appears at pot‑lucks, family gatherings, and casual holiday meals where a crowd‑pleasing, cheesy casserole is desired.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake, and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Key ingredients are butter, garlic, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and chicken. Acceptable substitutes include using half‑and‑half for milk, a gluten‑free flour blend, or shredded cheddar in place of mozzarella, though flavor will shift slightly.

cultural
Q

What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake?

A

Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic‑bread, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini to balance the richness of the casserole.

cultural
Q

What makes Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?

A

Its combination of a classic, silky Alfredo sauce with baked, cheesy crust and added protein creates a one‑dish meal that satisfies both comfort‑food cravings and the desire for a complete, hearty dinner.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pasta (it will continue to soften in the bake), not thickening the sauce enough (resulting in a watery casserole), and baking at too high a temperature, which can burn the cheese before the interior is hot.

technical
Q

Why does this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe use a roux of butter and flour instead of simply adding cream and cheese?

A

The roux creates a stable thickening base that prevents the sauce from separating and gives it a velvety texture; adding cream and cheese alone can result in a thin or grainy sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?

A

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the top mozzarella, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Eating on a Dime specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Eating on a Dime specializes in budget‑friendly, family‑focused recipes that deliver big flavor without expensive ingredients, often featuring quick weeknight meals and clever ways to stretch pantry staples.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Eating on a Dime's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Eating on a Dime emphasizes cost‑saving techniques, such as using leftover rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, while still preserving authentic flavors, whereas many other channels may focus on premium ingredients or elaborate plating.

channel

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