It was a typical Wednesday night. The kids were clamoring for dinner, my husband was stuck in traffic, and I was staring blankly into the refrigerator, trying to conjure up some sort of culinary masterpiece from the random assortment of ingredients staring back at me. Sound familiar? I had some leftover cooked chicken, a jar of Alfredo sauce, and a box of pasta, and that’s when the magic happened. I decided to throw it all together in a baking dish with some cheese, and what emerged from the oven was an absolute revelation: the easy alfredo chicken bake.

Seriously, friends, this easy alfredo chicken bake has become a total lifesaver in our house. It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, even on the busiest weeknights, I can still whip it up without breaking a sweat. And the best part? The whole family devours it. I mean, picture golden, bubbly cheese stretching as you pull a forkful of creamy pasta and tender chicken from the dish… It’s comfort food at its finest!

My picky teenager, who usually turns up her nose at anything remotely “healthy,” actually asks for seconds of this easy alfredo chicken bake. And my husband? He’s been known to sneak a piece straight from the baking dish while it’s cooling on the counter. Don’t tell him I told you that! Honestly, it’s just so incredibly delicious. The creamy Alfredo sauce coats everything perfectly, and the baked cheese adds a lovely richness and that satisfying cheesy pull we all love.

I remember one time we had unexpected company show up right around dinner time. I was totally unprepared, but thankfully, I had all the ingredients on hand for this easy alfredo chicken bake. I threw it together in a flash, and everyone raved about it. It was a total lifesaver, and it solidified its place as one of my go-to recipes for feeding a crowd. I learned that this easy alfredo chicken bake is not only simple and quick but also perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.

Of course, I’ve had my fair share of cooking mishaps along the way. Like the time I forgot to pre-cook the pasta and ended up with crunchy noodles. Or the time I added way too much garlic (lesson learned: a little goes a long way!). But that’s all part of the fun, right? Even with the occasional blunder, this easy alfredo chicken bake always comes out delicious in the end. It’s a very forgiving recipe, I promise!

This easy alfredo chicken bake is a true testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create a truly memorable meal. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. The warm, comforting flavors, the cheesy goodness, and the easy preparation make it a winner in my book every time.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further. This easy alfredo chicken bake is it! Trust me, your family is going to love this as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients for Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake

1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken to make this super easy, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken. I’ve even used canned chicken in a pinch (don’t judge!), and it still turns out great.

1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle)
My kids love penne, so that’s usually what I use. But any short pasta shape will work. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
24 ounces Alfredo sauce
I usually buy a jar of my favorite brand, but you can also make your own homemade Alfredo sauce if you’re feeling ambitious. I’ve tried both, and honestly, the jarred stuff is perfectly fine for a weeknight meal.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is my go-to for that classic cheesy pull, but you can also use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more complex flavor. My kids prefer mild cheese, but you can use sharp cheddar for more flavor if you like.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a nice salty, nutty flavor. I always buy a block of Parmesan and grate it myself – it tastes so much better than the pre-grated stuff. Plus, it lasts longer in the fridge.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. I usually have some growing in my herb garden, but if you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley will work just fine. Just use half the amount.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. After burning garlic one too many times, I learned to add it later in the process. I buy this in bulk at Costco and freeze portions, and this works out to be a really great cost-saving suggestion.

Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t forget to season your easy alfredo chicken bake! Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors and make a big difference in the final result.

For an easy alfredo chicken bake, you really don’t need much. I’ve found that using whole milk instead of 2% makes all the difference in the Alfredo sauce. Here’s something my mom taught me that changed everything – always taste and adjust seasoning as you go!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! I learned the hard way to grease the dish really well or the pasta will stick to the bottom.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the chicken and sauce.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded or cubed chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated in sauce. Add the minced garlic and stir to combine. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as the pasta can absorb a lot of flavor.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. This will create that beautiful golden, bubbly crust.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the easy alfredo chicken bake is heated through.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set up slightly and prevents it from being too runny. I learned the hard way to let it rest for a few minutes – trust me on this one!
Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) for a pop of color and freshness.

And there you have it: an easy alfredo chicken bake. My husband always asks me to make extra because he loves the leftovers for lunch. If this happens, don’t panic – here’s how to fix it… I always double the recipe and bake in two dishes. That way there are leftovers!

Serving Ideas

We love this easy alfredo chicken bake with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. The salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta, and the bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces.

For a more complete meal, you can serve this easy alfredo chicken bake with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. These add some extra nutrients and fiber to the meal. I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top – it makes it look so much fancier!

This easy alfredo chicken bake has become our go-to for Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s easy to make, travels well, and everyone always enjoys it. Honestly, it’s just such a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house it barely feeds 4 hungry people! So, I usually double the recipe to make sure there are enough leftovers. My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion. If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. I love taking it to work and enjoying a comforting meal during my lunch break.

A few other things that go really well with this easy alfredo chicken bake are garlic bread and caesar salad. I actually have another recipe on my blog you should check out! Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Garlic Bread Subs

Also, If you’re looking for more one-pan meals, check out our complete collection of skillet recipes such as Baked Ranch Chicken.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While I typically use penne, you can use any short pasta shape you like, such as rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Of course! Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but you can also use a blend of other cheeses, such as provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value of this meal. Some good options include broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Just be sure to cook the vegetables before adding them to the pasta mixture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble this easy alfredo chicken bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.

How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

To prevent the pasta from drying out, make sure to use enough Alfredo sauce to coat all of the noodles. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to thin it out if necessary. I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! Make sure you take it out of the oven as soon as the cheese is melted and bubbly and heated through.

Can I freeze this dish?

While you can technically freeze this easy alfredo chicken bake, I don’t recommend it. The pasta and sauce can become a bit mushy after thawing. However, if you do choose to freeze it, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her… I use low-sodium Alfredo sauce and skip the salt when seasoning. Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem – I use my hand mixer and it works great!

Conclusion

This easy alfredo chicken bake has truly become a staple in our household. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love that it’s so versatile – you can easily customize it to your family’s tastes by adding different types of pasta, cheese, or vegetables. But the best part of this easy alfredo chicken bake is the creamy, cheesy flavor that is hard to beat!

Remember, if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out Allrecipes Chicken Alfredo Bake and Food Network’s Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake.

Here are a few home cook tips I’ve gathered over the years.

Always let it rest for 5 minutes – I learned this the hard way when I served it too soon and it fell apart!

Don’t overcook the pasta – mushy pasta is not good pasta.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors – that’s where you find new favorite recipes!

My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too!

I’d love to hear how this easy alfredo chicken bake turns out for your family – drop me a comment! This easy alfredo chicken bake is such a simple recipe, that I really do hope that it becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!

Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake: The Weeknight Wonder

Print Recipe

This Easy Alfredo Chicken Bake is the perfect dinner for a busy weeknight. It only takes 5 simple steps and is sure to be a family favorite!

Author: Kiera

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta

1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce.

Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.