Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the rich, velvety goodness of Alfredo sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken? Look no further! This Easy Alfredo Pasta Bake is about to become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that looks like you've been slaving away in the kitchen all day – but our little secret is how incredibly easy it actually is!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your pasta bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, 2 cups of Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of diced cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help ensure that every bite gets a good amount of sauce and cheese.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help retain moisture during the cooking process.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to heat through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will make serving easier.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness to your dish.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Easy Alfredo Pasta Bake with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor, or save time with rotisserie chicken.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat Alfredo sauce and cheeses.
- Make sure to cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Don't skip the foil cover – it prevents the top from burning and keeps the dish moist.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
- Season generously – don't be afraid to add extra herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 499kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 84mg
