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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe Easy Family Dinner Idea

creamy chicken Alfredo bake - featured image

A quick and comforting creamy chicken Alfredo bake featuring homemade Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and rotini pasta, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta you like)
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini and cook until just shy of al dente (about 8 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the cubed chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink and slightly golden on the outside (about 6-8 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium-low, add remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute), careful not to burn.
  5. Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
  6. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly to combine.
  7. Stir in grated Parmesan and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce feels too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Mix gently to coat everything evenly.
  9. Pour the pasta-chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For a crispier top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  12. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for garnish.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it finishes cooking in the oven. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grate Parmesan for best flavor. Let bake rest before serving. Variations include adding vegetables, spicy elements, or swapping proteins. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, creamy chicken pasta, easy family dinner, baked alfredo, rotini pasta bake, comfort food, cheesy chicken bake