Oh, the joys of a comforting meal that brings everyone to the table! This Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake is like that old sweater you can’t get rid of—warm, familiar, and just right for any occasion. I whipped this up one busy evening when the kids were restless, and it instantly became a family favorite, with its creamy goodness and tender chicken nestled in pasta.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pot, place the chicken breasts and cover them with water. Boil on high, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Simultaneously, bring a second pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta for around 11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, drain, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 package (8 ounces) penne pasta
- ½ jar (16 ounces) of Alfredo sauce
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2808 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 516mg | Sodium: 4158mg | Total Carbohydrate: 192g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 186g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 2322mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1500mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute the penne pasta with other medium-sized pasta like ziti or large elbow noodles.
- What can I do if I only have half a jar of Alfredo sauce?
- If using half a jar of Alfredo sauce, you can pour the milk into the jar and swirl it around to make sure you get every bit of the sauce out.
- How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
- The chicken is done when it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, typically after simmering for about 15 minutes.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
- While the recipe doesn’t specifically suggest it, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, bake it until it’s bubbly and heated through.
- Is there a way to reduce the calorie content of this dish?
- You might reduce the calorie content by using a lighter Alfredo sauce, opting for lower-fat cheese options, or using less cheese overall.
Tips
- Opt for any medium-sized pasta you enjoy, such as ziti or large elbow macaroni, instead of sticking strictly to penne.
- When using the second half of the Alfredo sauce, pour the milk into the jar and give it a swirl to ensure you get every bit of sauce.
- To ensure your chicken remains juicy, avoid overcooking it by simmering until no longer pink but still tender.
Equipment
- Casserole dish (1 1/2-quart size)
- Large mixing bowl
