Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake

Name: Easy Chicken Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces penne pasta; 15.2 ounces Alfredo sauce (1 jar); 2 boneless chicken breasts (cooked & cubed); 2 tablespoons Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs; 1 egg (slightly beaten); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe combines creamy Alfredo with tender chicken, pasta, and lots of gooey cheese. Topped with bread crumbs and baked to golden brown perfection, it’s guaranteed to become a permanent addition to your dinner rotation!

Originally published July 2019 – Updated February 2024

A wooden spoon is being used to take a piece of pasta out of a baking dish.

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake Recipe

If there’s one thing my family loves, it’s a cheesy casserole recipe! That totally works for me because this casserole super easy and delicious…my favorite combination!

It’s always a favorite in my house, especially with the kids! This delicious recipe takes everything you love about classic chicken alfredo, and transforms it into a warm and cheesy casserole. It starts with chunks of seasoned chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, tender pasta and melted cheese. Then it’s baked to golden brown perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping for an extra crunch.

The best part is that you can have it on the dinner table in under an hour, yet it tastes like you spent hours preparing it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want to make a hearty, satisfying meal without a lot of hassle.

If your family loves pasta recipes, you should also check out this Turkey Pasta Bake and this Philly Cheesesteak Pasta.

A fork full of pasta with chicken and parmesan.

Why We Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Made with just a handful of simple ingredients, this easy pasta dish is ready in under an hour.
Rich and creamy: The creamy sauce perfectly coats each piece of pasta and juicy chicken pieces.
Make-ahead meal: It’s just as good the next day (and leftovers mean that you get a night off from cooking). Plus, the leftovers can easily be frozen for later.
Perfect for potlucks: You get all the flavors of stove top alfredo but in a convenient, carry-and-go casserole form.

Ingredients

Penne pasta
Jarred alfredo sauce
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs
Egg, slightly beaten
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated parmesan
Fresh basil leaves
Italian seasoning, salt and pepper

For exact ingredients amounts, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350° and spray your baking dish with non stick spray.

Step 2. Cut the chicken into chunks. Season with salt and pepper and a little Italian seasoning.

Step 3. Add chicken to a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165° on an instant read thermometer.

Tip: You can save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken instead.

Chicken cubes in a frying pan on a marble countertop.

Step 4. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.

Step 5. While the pasta is cooking, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, basil, egg and pepper.

A bowl of cheeses, egg and basil next to a bowl of pasta.

Parmesan and ricotta cheeses, egg and basil next to a bowl of pasta.

Step 6. Combine the pasta and alfredo sauce. Mix well.

Step 7. Add ricotta mixture and diced chicken and mix together.

Step 8. Pour the pasta evenly into a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella, breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 9. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, removing foil for the last five minutes. You can place it under broiler for the last two minutes to give it a finished, golden look.

A bowl of pasta with cheese and herbs in it.

A casserole dish filled with a chicken alfredo bake

Baked Chicken Alfredo Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Pasta: You can swap the penne with just about any kind of pasta. Ziti, bowtie, cavatappi, fusilli or rotini are all wonderful in this recipe.

Chicken: You can make this recipe with leftover baked and shredded chicken or grilled chicken. You can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Spice: Add a little heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli florets, spinach mushrooms or sauteed peppers and onion. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without the kids noticing. Sun-dried tomatoes are another great add-in.

Shrimp alfredo: Want to switch up the protein? Swap the chicken and use large shrimp instead. Just be careful not to over cook the shrimp when you sauté them.

Bacon: You can never go wrong with bacon. For even more flavor, add crispy, crumbled bacon to the pasta mixture before baking.

A wooden spoon is being used to take a piece of pasta out of a casserole dish.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake

Let the baked pasta cool, cover it with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Best Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe Tips

Don’t overboil the pasta. You want to cook it just until al dente because it will cook more in the oven.

Combine the sauce with pasta while the pasta is warm. Warm pasta absorbs the flavors of the sauce better than when it’s cooled.

If the pasta mixture seems a little too thick, you can use a little of the pasta water or some chicken broth to thin it out.

Don’t forget to cover it. Covering it with foil during the initial baking period helps lock in moisture.

I’m all about the easy recipes so I like to use store-bought alfredo. However, if you have a favorite homemade alfredo sauce recipe, you can certainly use it instead.

Two bowls of pasta and bread on a marble countertop.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make it ahead of time, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready for dinner. Either the night before or morning of, do all the steps until you reach the toppings. Save the mozzarella, bread crumbs and parmesan until you’re ready to bake. Cover the baking pan with foil and refrigerate until ready. Then add toppings and bake according to the instructions.

Can I freeze Alfredo chicken?

Yes, you can easily freeze this. It reheats nicely, making it a great freezer meal to have on hand. Just be sure it’s well sealed to avoid freezer burn. Pull it out of the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven for approximately 10 minutes at 350°.

What do I serve with this dish?

This is a hearty pasta dish, so it’s best when served with simple salad and a couple slices of crusty bread.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

You can just pop them in the microwave until warm. Or, just bake for about 10 minutes or until the center is hot. You can even throw a little more cheese on top if you have some left over.

Other Delicious Dinner Recipes

Find More On Pinterest!

Follow on Pinterest

Let’s be friends!

Did you love this post? Make sure to comment below and let me know your thoughts! And don’t forget to follow on your favorite social network below!

2 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Debbie

1 year ago

This dish was simple, quick and deliscious. Granddaughter approved (she’s 9 and had seconds) adult approved )we’re talking hirds here). used chkn tenders as I had no whole breasts. Added some crusty rolls and green beans to complete the meal. Wonderful. Will be making again. Thanks

Lisa

Author

Reply to Debbie

Thank you for sharing! I’m so glad that you loved it as much as we do! ❤️