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5.0 from 9 votes

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This comforting dish is loaded with creamy Italian cheeses and precooked chicken for an easy recipe that's perfect to enjoy on a busy weeknight, or for making ahead and freezing!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 450 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian , American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried penne or another similar shape
  • 1 pound cooked chicken chopped (leftover or rotisserie)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 5-6 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups Half & Half
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • Parsley for Garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set out a 9X13 inch baking dish.
  2. Set a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the penne and cook according to the package instructions. Then drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Meanwhile, set a second large sauce pot over medium heat. Add the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Then whisk in the minced garlic. Continue to whisk for 1-2 minutes until the roux is golden in color.
  4. Stir in the half & half, Italian seasoning, and bouillon. Once the mixture is hot, stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1 cup parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer until the cheese is well incorporated.
  5. The sauce should be thick, but still saucy, not like gravy. If it seems too thick, mix in ½ to 1 cup pasta water. Then mix in the cooked pasta and chicken pieces.
  6. Pour the pasta mix into the baking dish. Spread out evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sides are bubbling and the cheese on top is melted with crispy edges. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Can I Use Cooked Chicken? This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken from earlier in the week. If you don’t have leftovers available, you can buy a rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked chopped chicken in the meat department.
  • Can I Use Cooked Chicken? This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken from earlier in the week. If you don’t have leftovers available, you can buy a rotisserie chicken, or pre-cooked chopped chicken in the meat department.
  • No-Boil Method for Cooking Pasta: Place the dried pasta in a large bowl. Add very hot tap water. Stir, then allow the pasta to soak for 20 minutes. Drain and use.
  • Leftovers: Leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. It will still taste terrific when reheated in the microwave or oven!
  • Make Ahead and Freeze: For best results, I recommend making the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, like disposable aluminum foil pans with lids. You can fully prepare the Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Pasta, package in an airtight container, and freeze unbaked for up to 3 months.
  • When you are ready to enjoy, simply bake uncovered in a 350 degree F preheated oven for 1 hour. There's no need to defrost it first!

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 450kcal (23%) Carbohydrates 35g (12%) Protein 21g (42%) Fat 25g (38%) Saturated Fat 14g (70%) Cholesterol 83mg (28%) Sodium 388mg (16%) Potassium 264mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 696IU (14%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 337mg (34%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 450

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 450kcal 23%
Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Protein 21g 42%
Fat 25g 38%
Saturated Fat 14g 70%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 388mg 16%
Potassium 264mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 696IU 14%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 337mg 34%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.