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.
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing, optional)
Vegetable oil
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup butter
2tsp 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.