Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake

Name: Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced; 3 cups Alfredo sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Collection

I absolutely love this Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake! It's the perfect combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta, all baked to perfection. On busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly and delivers that warm, comforting taste that makes you feel at home. With every bite, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and how a simple meal can turn into a special occasion. Plus, it’s so versatile; you can add your favorite veggies or even swap out the chicken for a meatless option!

Created by

Elspeth Murray

Last updated on 2026-02-01T19:45:36.354Z

Creating the Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake was a delightful adventure! I wanted to craft a dish that felt like a warm embrace, and this bake truly delivers. I use store-bought Alfredo sauce to save time, but feel free to whip up your own for an extra touch of richness. The secret to a creamy texture is to combine the pasta with the sauce before baking, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.

What I love most is how customizable this recipe is! One time, I added spinach and mushrooms for added flavor and nutrients, and it was a hit. The leftovers also make for an excellent office lunch, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy Alfredo sauce that clings to every pasta piece
Tender chicken packed with flavor and warmth
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any weeknight dinner

Creamy Alfredo Sauce Secrets

The key to a luscious Alfredo sauce lies in using high-quality ingredients. Heavy cream is essential here; it creates that creamy texture that will cling beautifully to your pasta and chicken. For a homemade touch, consider making your own Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, allowing you to control the seasoning and flavor intensity. When adding the sauce to your pasta, ensure you combine all ingredients while still warm, as this enhances the coating effect, ensuring that every bite is rich and satisfying.

Don’t forget to warm up your Alfredo sauce before mixing it with the pasta. This not only helps the sauce spread more evenly but also brings out its flavors. If you're short on time, store-bought sauces can work well, especially those that contain no preservatives. I recommend a brand that uses real cheese for an authentic flavor, which significantly elevates the dish compared to cheaper alternatives.

Customizations and Add-Ins

One of the best aspects of the Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake is its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or even spinach. These add-ins not only enhance the flavor but also bring a pop of color and nutrition to the dish. I love to mix in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy layer, but ensure they’re finely chopped to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

If you’re looking to make this dish meatless, consider substituting the chicken with roasted chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty option. Additionally, swapping regular penne pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives works wonderfully, allowing everyone at your table to enjoy this comfort food without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients:

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
3 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your bake:

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Mix everything together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.

Transfer to baking dish

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding steamed broccoli or spinach to the mixture before baking for added flavor and nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Comfort Food Chicken Alfredo Bake is an excellent dish to prepare in advance. You can mix and assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just remember to take it out about 30 minutes before baking to help it cook evenly. This can save you significant time on busy weeknights while still delivering a fresh and comforting meal.

If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the dish to restore some moisture, as baked pasta tends to dry out. Cover it with foil when reheating in the oven to keep it from drying out, and warm it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheese doesn’t melt effectively and remains clumpy, it might be due to overcooking or using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. For a smoother melt, grate your cheese from a block. Also, make sure not to bake the dish for too long, as this can cause the cheese to harden unappetizingly instead of remaining gooey and stretchy, which is the desired outcome.

For a creamier texture, if your Alfredo bake seems too thick, consider adding a little more cream or chicken broth before baking. This ensures that the pasta and chicken absorb the sauce while cooking, preventing dryness. If you ever find your sauce too thin, adjust your baking time slightly to achieve the perfect creamy consistency without overbaking the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as fettuccine or bowtie.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ Can I substitute the chicken for something else?

Instead of chicken, try using cooked sausage, shrimp, or a variety of vegetables for a vegetarian option.