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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake: Easy One-Pan Dinner

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This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake is a one-pan wonder that combines tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and a velvety cream cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s comfort food made easy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (about 450g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup (25g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the penne pasta to al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Do not rinse.
  3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the softened cream cheese and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously. Stir in garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Return the cooked pasta to the pot with the sauce. Add shredded chicken and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the cheese.
  9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes.
  11. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add 2 cups sautéed mushrooms and 1 cup fresh spinach. For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes with the garlic and use pepper jack cheese. To make ahead, assemble the dish (without breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then add breadcrumbs and increase covered baking time by 10 minutes. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk or broth. Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, one-pan dinner, creamy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked pasta, chicken pasta bake

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-chicken-alfredo-bake-easy-one-pan-dinner/