Description
This Creamy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a comforting and rich dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly top. It combines the classic flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning for a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 8 ounces Fettuccine or Penne Pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or vegetable oil as an alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the fettuccine or penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, releasing its aroma but not browning.
- Cook Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet with the garlic and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and slice the chicken into strips for easy mixing.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter, then stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, indicating that the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Notes
- You can use either fettuccine or penne pasta based on your preference.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Shredded mozzarella can be added on top before baking for an extra cheesy crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Chicken Alfredo, Baked Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Italian Pasta Bake, Comfort Food
