Description
This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender shredded chicken, penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A golden breadcrumb topping adds a crispy finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pasta evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain it thoroughly to avoid sogginess in the bake.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and coated with sauce.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray, then transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping: If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pasta mixture to create a crispy golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving. This helps the dish hold together better on the plate.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta mixture before baking.
- If you prefer, swap penne for rigatoni or rotini pasta shapes.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best taste and melting quality.
- Breadcrumbs are optional but recommended for a crunchy topping; panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
