This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an easy meal-prep and freezer friendly dinner option! Tender pasta and chicken are tossed in homemade Alfredo sauce, topped with cheese, then baked until hot and gooey.
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I think we’ve probably all been in that season of life where you just can’t seem to find the time to make a home-cooked meal.
It happens to the best of us! Which is exactly why I love simple, prep-ahead recipes like my Ricotta Stuffed Shells, Turkey Stuffed Peppers, and this Chicken Alfredo Bake.
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep option, and it’s something the whole family will love!
Love anything Alfredo? Try my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo or my Chicken Alfredo Pizza!
Ingredients Needed:
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is made with chicken and pasta and a super simple homemade Alfredo. I bet you already have most of this stuff on hand already!
- Chicken: you’ll need 1 pound of cooked and chopped chicken. You can cook it for this recipe, or use up leftover chicken.
- Pasta: any kind of short pasta shape will work for this recipe. Macaroni, bowtie pasta, fusilli, rotini, you name it. You can also choose between white or whole wheat.
- Cheese: for topping
Alfredo Sauce
- Butter: butter is the base for this perfect Alfredo sauce recipe.
- Minced Garlic: fresh or pre-minced will work. You can also substitute with half the amount in garlic powder.
- Flour: a few tablespoons of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the sauce.
- Milk and Cream: I use a combination of 1-2% milk and half-and-half to create the perfect texture and flavor.
- Seasonings: a simple combination of salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper is all you need to season your sauce.
- Parmesan: gives the Alfredo its classic salty, cheesy flavor.
How to Make this Chicken Alfredo Bake
This pasta bake is prepped and ready to be stored or baked in a quick 20 minutes. Full instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Melt the butter and add the garlic to wake up the flavor.
- Make the roux: Add the flour. Cook and stir until combined.
- Make the sauce: mix in milk and cream followed by seasonings and parmesan. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and smooth.
- Mix it up and bake: Pour the sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture, then stir until fully combined. Top with mozzarella and parmesan. Cover the dish and bake until hot and bubbly. Uncover and broil to brown the cheese if desired, then serve.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of my favorite parts about this recipe is that you can easily prepare it ahead of time to toss in the oven anytime you don’t have time to cook. To prep ahead of time, you have a couple of options:
- Refrigerator. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the baking instructions.
- Freezer. Assemble the casserole without the cheese topping, and don’t bake. Cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, add the cheese. To reheat, you have two options. First, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight, then remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions (recommended for the best texture.) You can also remove the plastic wrap and bake it from frozen in the oven while it’s preheating, then add 20-30 minutes to the baking time.
Chicken Alfredo Bake FAQs
The primary difference is in the pasta used. Chicken Alfredo is Alfredo sauce tossed with chicken and any type of pasta. Fettuccine Alfredo is Alfredo sauce with fettuccine noodles specifically. It can be made with or without chicken!
You really don’t need much to give your Alfredo sauce the perfect flavor. I use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If you’re feeling creative, feel free to add in whatever seasonings your heart desires, but there’s really no need.
3 days in the fridge. reheat in the microwave or on low on the stove
Leftover baked Chicken Alfredo will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm smaller portions in the microwave or a larger amount on the stove.
Most leftover pastas reheat beautifully. The problem sometimes is that they dry out as they reheat. The secret to keeping chicken Alfredo moist? Just add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream! No dry leftovers here.
Tips and Notes
- Use any cooked chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but I like to use chicken breasts. This recipe calls for cooked, chopped chicken, so it’s great for leftovers from a whole chicken or if you’ve made a big batch of Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or Crockpot Shredded Chicken. Don’t have leftover chicken? Throw these Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts in in the morning and they’ll be ready to go for dinner.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses can get grainy when they melt. I recommend shredding your own for the very best texture.
- Cook the pasta al dente. I recommend boiling the pasta so it’s slightly underdone. That way when you bake it it comes out perfectly; not mushy.
- Cover while baking. Covering the baking dish with foil allows the cheese to get nice and melty without burning.
- Watch closely while broiling. Broiling turns the cheese perfectly golden, but broiling too long will burn it. Keep a close eye!
- Split it up! I love to split the recipe into two 8×8 baking dishes. That way I can bake one for dinner, then store the other for another night.
Variations
- Add veggies. Feel free to boost the nutrition with any of your favorite pre-cooked veggies. Try broccoli florets, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, peas, you name it.
- Use another protein. Swap the chicken out for cooked turkey, Italian sausage, cooked shrimp, bacon, prosciutto, or even chickpeas.
- Make it vegetarian. Just leave out the chicken or swap it for a meatless variety.
- Spice it up. Give your Chicken Alfredo Bake a kick of heat with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This simple entree goes best with whatever super easy side dish you want! I love it alongside a simple green salad, Breadsticks, Garlic Bread, Roasted Green Beans, or a chunk of crusty buttered bread.
More Make-Ahead Casseroles You’ll Love
Chicken Alfredo Bake
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chopped chicken (about 2-3 breasts)
- 5 cups short pasta (340-390 grams), cooked to al dente
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Alfredo Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups milk 1-2%
- 1 ½ cups half and half cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a 9×13″ baking dish or two 8×8″ baking dishes, place chicken and pasta. Set cheese aside for topping.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour until absorbed, and cook 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until combined and smooth. Stir in the salt, Italian seasoning, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until thickened and smooth.
- Pour over pasta and chicken in baking dish, stir (you can also taste here to see if you want to adjust any seasonings) and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Follow directions in post above to store for later, or cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil to brown the cheese if desired.
- Serve.
Nutrition Information
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Stewball says
Can I use minced chicken?
Stewball says
What’s the difference in taste of shredded or grated cheese?
Janie Hernandez Luevano says
Can this be made with gluten-free flour for a family member that can”t have gluten?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Janie! Yes it can!
claudette says
I have made this a number of times and will be making it again next week for my mom and sister and who-ever shows up. This is the best easiest Alfredo sauce!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Claudette! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review!
Laura says
Do I need to bake the Alfredo bake before I can freeze it?
Ashley Fehr says
You can do it either way 🙂
Haley R. says
It says cook pasta on the recipe but in the comments you said to use dry pasta, which is it?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Haley! Someone asked in the comments if it was dry pasta or cooked pasta. I said dry, because you are measuring it before it’s cooked. The recipe called for 5 cups pasta, cooked to al dente. So you are using dry pasta and then cooking it.
Lisa Dugdale says
If I am doubling the recipe how much cook time do you think?
Ashley Fehr says
If you are using two 9×13″ pans then you won’t change the cook time at all
Kathi L Hibbs says
I used 1cup chicken broth and 1 cup evaporated milk just because that’s what I had on hand. It was very good and tasty! I added fresh oregano from my garden
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kathi!
Sharon G Chapman says
If using jar alfredo – how many cups/ounces?
Ashley Fehr says
About 3 cups
Cathy says
Hi Ashley,
This looks delish! I was wondering if you’ve ever made the alfredo sauce with all milk before and did it turn out? Love your recipes. 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Cathy! Yes you can make it just with milk, it is just not as rich in flavor 🙂
Mary says
Which kind of cheese for the sauce? Grated or shredded?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, grated or shredded will work great!
Diane says
Can used turkey instead of chicken?
Ashley Fehr says
Absolutely!
Kellie Hemmerly says
This was so fast and easy to make! Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kellie!
Katie says
This chicken alfredo turned out SOO yummy! Was such a hit in our home even for the picky eaters! Can’t wait to make again!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Katie! It’s a hit here too!
Anna says
I feel like after I bake the whole thing the alfredo sauce dry out. Can it not be baked, or, save some sauce and pour some more in later after baking it?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Anna, this is a baked pasta dish, so it can definitely be baked. When cooking it you are only cooking it covered for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly. So if it is drying out, it might be mean that it’s cooked too long.
Jennifer says
Chicken Alfredo is one of my favorite comfort food recipes! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jennifer!
Katie says
This is one of my all time favorite weeknight dinners. My family can’t get enough of it either!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Katie!
Eden says
This was so creamy! Easy to make and everyone loved it! Pinning it!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Eden!
Jessica Formicola says
We made this for dinner last night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica! I’m so glad to hear that!
Pam Greer says
I love this chicken alfredo in casserole form! I plan on always having one of these in the freezer!! I just double the recipe and freeze one!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! They’re so handy!
Janet Wilson says
How much pasta is the 5 cups? Is it cooked or dry cups?
Lydia says
Is it 5 cups dry pasta or 5 cups cooked pasta ?
Ashley Fehr says
Dry pasta