Chicken Alfredo Bake transforms your favorite restaurant dish into an effortless family dinner that’s ready in under an hour. In my kitchen, I’ve discovered that baking this creamy pasta dish creates the most satisfying comfort food experience—crispy cheese on top, tender pasta beneath.
There’s something magical about the way this dish fills your home with the most incredible aroma. I remember the first time I made this Chicken Alfredo Bake for my family—the kids gathered around the kitchen island, drawn by the smell of garlic and cream bubbling together. Now it’s become our go-to meal for busy weeknights when we crave something special without the fuss. The beauty lies in its simplicity: tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly melted mozzarella come together in one dish that pleases everyone at the table. You’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Bake
This recipe has earned its place as a family favorite in countless homes because it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. I’ve been making variations of this dish for years, and this particular combination creates the perfect balance of creamy comfort and satisfying heartiness that brings everyone to the dinner table.
Easy assembly with simple, everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of hands-on prep time
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the busy week ahead
Creates the most incredible golden, bubbly cheese topping that everyone fights over
Uses rotisserie chicken for convenience, making weeknight dinners a breeze
Freezes beautifully for those nights when you need dinner ready in minutes
This creamy, cheesy casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a warm hug on a plate that turns any ordinary evening into something special.
Ingredient Note List
Cooked Chicken: I always recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any leftover chicken works beautifully and adds protein that makes this dish truly satisfying.
Fettuccine Pasta: The wide, flat shape of fettuccine holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly, creating the ideal bite every time.
Heavy Cream: This creates the rich, velvety base of our Alfredo sauce and ensures the bake stays creamy even after baking.
Whole Milk: Adding milk alongside the cream helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency that’s not too thick or too thin.
Parmesan Cheese: I always use freshly grated Parmesan because it melts more smoothly and provides that sharp, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce authentic.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of our golden topping—mozzarella creates those irresistible cheese pulls and bubbles beautifully in the oven.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the entire dish with aromatic flavor that makes your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.
Italian Seasoning: This herb blend adds depth and complexity to the Chicken Alfredo Bake without requiring multiple individual spices.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps sauté the garlic without burning and adds subtle richness to the sauce base.
How to Cook Chicken Alfredo Bake
Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F because having it ready ensures even baking and that perfect golden cheese topping.
Step 2. Cook your fettuccine pasta according to package directions until al dente—in my experience, slightly undercooking prevents mushy pasta after baking.
Step 3. I usually heat olive oil in my largest skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.
Step 4. My grandmother always said to add cream slowly, so I stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer before reducing the heat to low.
Step 5. I’ve found that gradually whisking in the Parmesan cheese prevents any lumps and creates the silkiest Chicken Alfredo Bake sauce you’ve ever tasted.
Step 6. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then fold in your cooked chicken and drained pasta until everything is beautifully coated.
Step 7. Transfer the mixture to your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for that golden finish.
Step 8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—I usually check at 25 minutes since ovens can vary.
Step 9. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, which helps it set up and makes serving much easier for everyone.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from making the topping soggy.
For longer storage, I recommend portioning the bake into individual freezer-safe containers before freezing for up to 2 months. This makes reheating single servings much more convenient for busy weeknights.
When it’s time to reheat, I’ve found the best method is covering the dish with foil and warming it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep the pasta from drying out.
Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort dish—tender chicken and fettuccine smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, then baked with gooey mozzarella until golden and bubbling. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, and surprisingly easy to make in under an hour.
Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and whole milk. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat.
Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Add broccoli or spinach for vegetables. Adjust seasoning as needed. Great for meal prep—freeze or refrigerate leftovers.
What to Serve With Chicken Alfredo Bake
Crisp Caesar Salad: The bright, tangy flavors of Caesar dressing pair beautifully with creamy pasta—just like how I balance bold greens with Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice for a lighter finish. and crunchy romaine provide the perfect contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
Garlic Breadsticks: In my kitchen, I often serve warm, buttery garlic bread alongside this dish—similar to how I use crusty bread with my Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon to soak up every drop of sauce. because it’s perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon: The fresh, green vegetables add color and nutrition, much like my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli which adds a crisp, savory crunch to creamy dishes. while the lemon brightens the entire meal beautifully.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: This elegant side dish brings a smoky flavor that complements the creamy chicken perfectly, especially for special occasions.
Simple Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the Chicken Alfredo Bake and adds fresh texture.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight caramelization of roasted Brussels sprouts provides a delicious contrast to the smooth, creamy textures in the main dish.
FAQs
How many calories are in Chicken Alfredo Bake?
Each serving contains approximately 620 calories, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that provides good protein from the chicken and energy from the pasta and creamy sauce.
Is Chicken Alfredo Bake healthy for you?
While this dish is rich and indulgent, it does provide high-quality protein from the chicken (about 30-35 grams per serving) and calcium from the cheese, though I recommend enjoying it as part of a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables.
Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook your fettuccine just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, and make sure not to overbake the casserole—I usually check it at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
