Hey y'all! If busy weeknights leave you craving something comforting, cheesy, and effortless, you're going to fall head-over-heels for this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms. This dish combines juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce that bakes up bubbly and golden. It's a lifesaver for hectic evenings, family gatherings, or anytime you want a crowd-pleaser without the fuss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
- Quick prep and easy cleanup make it perfect for busy schedules.
- Creamy, cheesy flavors loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
- Feeds a crowd or leaves delicious leftovers for lunch.
- Bake-and-serve convenience means more time at the table, less time in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente (about 9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and milk, whisking to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with Alfredo sauce. Toss until everything is fully coated and combined.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm!
Notes for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
- Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time—see tips at Bon Appétit.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Grate your own cheese for best texture and melting.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
- Spinach & Artichoke: Stir in 2 cups baby spinach and ½ cup chopped artichoke hearts before baking.
- Bacon Lover’s: Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Broccoli Alfredo: Fold in 1 cup steamed broccoli florets for extra veggies.
Required Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Colander
- Cooking spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15 minutes. Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
Serving & Pairings
Serve this creamy bake with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty garlic bread for a satisfying, complete meal. A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sparkling lemonade pairs perfectly!
Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
- Cook pasta just to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
- Let the bake rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle warmth—learn more about seasoning cream sauces at Serious Eats.
FAQ: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake – Easy Weeknight Dinner for Tired Moms
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Add 5 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.
What’s the best pasta for Alfredo bake?
Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. Learn more about pasta shapes at The Kitchn.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
You can, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and gives the sauce a creamier consistency.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
-
2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
-
3Add the cooked chicken and frozen peas to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
-
4In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper.
-
5Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
-
6Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!