Name: Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Pasta + chicken; 12 oz penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great); 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt & black pepper, to taste; Homemade Alfredo sauce; 4 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter); 1 1/2 cups milk; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated; 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but great); Salt & pepper, to taste; Optional topping; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp melted butter

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta + chicken

12 oz penne pasta

2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great)

2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (divided)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Homemade Alfredo sauce

4 tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)

1 1/2 cups milk

1 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional, but great)

Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional topping

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain.

Make Alfredo sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in cream and milk. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg (if using), and season with salt and pepper.

Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta + chicken + Alfredo sauce + 1 1/2 cups mozzarella + 1/4 cup Parmesan + Italian seasoning + garlic powder.

Assemble: Pour into baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan. (Add panko mixed with melted butter if using.)

Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra browning (watch closely).

Rest 5 minutes, then serve.

Notes

Cooking Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta—it keeps cooking in the oven.
Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest Alfredo (pre-shredded can get grainy).
Thin or thicken easily: Simmer longer to thicken; splash in milk to loosen.
Broil for the finish to get that irresistible golden top.

Variations

Veggie add-in: Stir in 2 cups broccoli florets (steam or blanch first) or 2–3 cups fresh spinach (mix in at the end).
Bacon lover: Add 6 slices cooked crumbled bacon.
Spicy version: Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
Protein swap: Use turkey, ham, or sautéed shrimp.
Lighter option: Use half-and-half and reduce cheese slightly (still creamy and delicious).

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 750mg
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g