This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a warm and cheesy hug in a dish! With tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and al dente pasta, it’s comfort food at its best!
Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers. I always find myself sneaking bits straight from the baking dish. Who can resist that gooey goodness? 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This tight spiral shape helps hold onto the sauce nicely, but feel free to swap it for penne, fusilli, or bow tie pasta. Just ensure the pasta is short and can hold the creamy sauce well!
Chicken: I recommend using cooked chicken breast, like rotisserie or leftover chicken. For a healthier option, substitute with shredded turkey. If you are vegetarian, consider adding more mushrooms or some grilled vegetables instead!
Mushrooms: I love using button or cremini mushrooms for their mild flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can replace them with spinach or zucchini, or skip them entirely for a simpler dish.
Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought Alfredo sauce saves time, but homemade gives you more control over flavors. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use a mix of Greek yogurt and a bit of milk or broth to create a tangy sauce.
Cheeses: Mozzarella provides great meltiness, and Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. If you want something sharper, try using aged cheddar or Romano cheese.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta Bake is Creamy and Not Dry?
To keep your Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake nice and creamy, follow these steps:
- Cook pasta just to al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some sauce.
- Ensure the Alfredo sauce is well-mixed with the chicken and mushrooms. If it feels too thick, a splash of milk or chicken broth can help.
- Cover the baking dish with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking. This traps moisture, preventing dryness and ensuring that all layers heat evenly.
When you’re done baking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set a bit and will make serving easier!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta), cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 20-25 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying this cheesy dish in about 40-45 minutes—perfect for a comforting dinner or a fun family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important so that your pasta bake cooks evenly and becomes perfectly bubbly and golden.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. You want it firm since it’ll cook more in the oven!
3. Sauté the Garlic and Mushrooms:
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add in the minced garlic and sauté until you smell that delicious aroma, about 1 minute. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and have released their moisture, which should take about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the Chicken:
Next, stir in your diced cooked chicken just to warm it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of your pasta bake!
5. Combine with Alfredo Sauce:
Now, pour in the Alfredo sauce, stirring everything together so it’s evenly coated. It should be creamy and fragrant—delicious!
6. Mix with Pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and mushroom mixture. Mix well to ensure all the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Add the Cheesy Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes!
9. Bake It!
Pop your dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beautifully golden brown.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color. Let it cool slightly before serving. This will help you avoid any burns and make for easier serving!
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake with friends or family, and savor every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook while baking.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the pasta bake in advance and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm in the oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for the Alfredo Sauce?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can mix Greek yogurt with a bit of milk or broth for a tangy alternative. Homemade Alfredo sauce is also an excellent substitute, using butter, cream, and Parmesan to taste!
