Description
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake with Mozzarella Crust is a rich, cheesy pasta dinner made with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, penne, Parmesan, and a golden mozzarella topping for the ultimate comforting baked casserole.
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Fold the cooked chicken into the sauce, then add the drained pasta and stir until everything is well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
8. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, then add a little extra Parmesan if desired.
9. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
10. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end if you want a more golden mozzarella crust.
11. Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then finish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut that adds plenty of flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking or it can turn too soft in the oven.
For a looser sauce when reheating leftovers, stir in a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 165mg