By This Chicken Alfredo Bake balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Chicken Alfredo Bake captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Chicken Alfredo Bake becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
12 oz. pkg penne pasta
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
Vegetable oil
¼ tsp thyme
¼ tsp poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 TB olive oil
½ c butter
2 tsp minced garlic
4 TB all-purpose flour
3 c half and half
3 c milk
3 c Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
Italian Seasoning, for garnish
PREPARATION STEPS
If time allows, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing overnight or for a few hours.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4
Slice the marinated chicken breasts in half to create thinner pieces
Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning
Add the chicken to the hot oil and cook until done, about 15-20 minutes
Remove from the skillet and let cool.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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Using a wire whisk, mix in the flour and stir until bubbly
Gradually pour in the half and half and milk, stirring to combine
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Whisk in 1½ cups of cheese until melted and the sauce starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat.
Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large bowl. Add the cooked pasta and the prepared sauce. Mix until everything is well combined.
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Transfer the pasta mixture to the pan and sprinkle with the remaining 1½ cups of cheese.
Sprinkle with pepper and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: (Calories will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used)
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
