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To make a creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups penne pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy dish that comforts every time you eat it. You can add extra flavors or textures to your bake. Consider these options: - Peas or spinach for added greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for a pop of color and taste - Cooked bacon bits for extra crunch - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat These optional ingredients let you play with flavors and make the meal your own. If you have dietary needs, you can easily swap some ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free pasta if you need it. - Substitute chicken with cooked tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. - For a lighter version, choose low-fat Alfredo sauce. - Use dairy-free cheese for a vegan dish. These substitutions allow anyone to enjoy this creamy chicken Alfredo bake, no matter their diet! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, cook 2 cups of penne pasta according to the package. You want it to be al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a big bowl, mix the cooked penne, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of Alfredo sauce. If you want to make the sauce at home, I can help with that later! Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything well so all the pasta is coated. Now, transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This cheese layer adds flavor and a nice texture. Bake it in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. When it’s ready, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps with serving and makes it less hot. Serve the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake in individual bowls. For extra flavor, you can drizzle more Alfredo sauce on top. If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes. Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. This dish is not just tasty; it looks great too! Enjoy your meal! Making your own Alfredo sauce is simple and tasty. Start with butter and cream. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a pan over low heat. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir until combined. Next, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts. You can sprinkle in some garlic powder and black pepper for flavor. This sauce pairs well with your pasta bake. Cooking pasta correctly makes a big difference. Use a large pot filled with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water before it boils. This adds flavor to the pasta. Cook the penne until it's al dente, which means firm to the bite. Stir the pasta a few times while it cooks. This helps prevent sticking. Drain it well but do not rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce stick. Garnishing your dish makes it look special. Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Chop some parsley and sprinkle it over the top before serving. You can also drizzle a bit of extra Alfredo sauce for a creamy look. For a spicy kick, try crushed red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta bake in individual bowls for a nice touch. This makes each serving feel special and fancy. {{image_2}} If you want to switch up the protein, try using turkey or ham. Both work great and add a new flavor. You can even use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. For a lighter meal, shrimp or scallops are also tasty choices. Each protein option gives a unique twist to your bake. For a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms instead. If you want a vegan option, replace the Alfredo sauce with a plant-based version. Use vegan cheese to keep it creamy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their diet. While penne pasta is perfect, you can use any pasta shape you like. Bowtie or rigatoni adds fun shapes to your dish. For extra flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives. You can also mix in spinach or kale for more greens. These add-ins not only taste great but also make your dish more colorful. To store leftover creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway for even warming. If you want to freeze the pasta bake, it’s best to do this before baking. Assemble everything in a container, but skip the oven step. Cover well with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare it as directed but do not bake. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, bake it at 350°F (175°C) as instructed. This saves time on busy nights and still tastes great. If you don’t like broccoli, try other veggies. Cauliflower, spinach, or green beans work well. You can also use peas or bell peppers for a colorful dish. Just make sure the veggies are cooked or steamed before adding them to the pasta mix. This keeps the bake creamy and flavorful. To boost flavor, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Sauté it in olive oil before mixing it into the dish. Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. You can also mix in herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh taste. Lastly, a sprinkle of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish. In this blog post, I shared how to create a delicious Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I offered ways to customize the dish and shared storage information to keep your leftovers tasty. Lastly, I answered common questions to make cooking easier. Enjoy making this dish and share it with others! It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for any meal.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Indulge in a mouthwatering Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake that the whole family will love! This easy recipe combines tender penne pasta, shredded chicken, and vibrant broccoli smothered in rich Alfredo sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish will be a hit! Click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime deliciously simple!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup broccoli florets, steamed

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well coated.

        Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

          Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls, and drizzle with extra Alfredo sauce if desired. Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick!