Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Craving a warm, cheesy meal that’s both simple and satisfying?
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake is exactly what you need!

Packed with tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly baked pasta,
this dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

It’s so easy to throw together and delivers that rich, cheesy satisfaction you crave after a long day.

Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for a cozy night in,
this bake is your new go-to dinner.

Ready to dive in? Let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

For the Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Penne Pasta – Provides the perfect base for the creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Marinated in Italian dressing for added flavor and tenderness.
Vegetable Oil – Used for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Thyme – Adds a subtle herby note to the chicken.
Poultry Seasoning – Enhances the overall savory taste of the chicken.
Salt and Pepper – To season the chicken to taste.
Olive Oil – Helps sauté the garlic in the sauce for extra richness.
Butter – Creates the creamy base for the Alfredo sauce.
Minced Garlic – Infuses the sauce with a rich, savory flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the Alfredo sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Half and Half – Makes the sauce rich and smooth.
Milk – Balances the richness of the half-and-half for the perfect sauce consistency.
Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend – Provides a delicious, melty cheese mix for the sauce and topping.
Italian Seasoning – A finishing touch for flavor and garnish.

For the Alfredo Sauce

Half and Half – Gives the sauce a rich, creamy texture.
Milk – Keeps the sauce smooth and not too thick.
Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend – Adds a cheesy, melty richness to the sauce.
Butter – Helps in creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
Flour – Thickens the sauce for that creamy texture.

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Craving a warm, cheesy meal that's both simple and satisfying? This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food—packed with tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a crispy, golden top.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Prep Time: 35

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 1 5

Servings:

Calories: 588kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing, optional)
Vegetable oil
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp minced garlic
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups half-and-half
3 cups milk
3 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
Italian seasoning (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken (Optional):

If you have time, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing overnight or for a few hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions, drain, and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Slice the marinated chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces for even cooking. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping to cook both sides. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside to cool.

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute or until bubbly. Gradually add the half-and-half and milk, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add Cheese to the Sauce:

Slowly whisk in 1½ cups of the Italian cheese blend, stirring until the sauce thickens. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then remove the sauce from the heat.

Assemble the Bake:

Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until well coated.

Bake:

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Transfer the pasta mixture to the dish and top with the remaining 1½ cups of cheese. Sprinkle with a pinch of pepper and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning before serving.

Nutrition

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Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking it myself?
You sure can! Using leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken is a quick and easy option. Just shred it and add it to the pasta before mixing in the sauce. It’s a huge time-saver without compromising on flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works perfectly, you can swap it for any short pasta shape like ziti, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure the pasta can hold up to the creamy sauce.

How can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Making the sauce ahead is easy! Simply cook the sauce, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just reheat it and combine with the chicken and pasta.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition?
Of course! Broccoli, spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms would be great additions. Cook them before adding to the pasta for a more balanced dish.

Can I freeze the assembled casserole for later?
Yes, you can! After assembling the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—add a few extra minutes if needed.