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Creamy One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Bake

creamy one-pot chicken Alfredo bake - featured image

A comforting and easy one-pot chicken Alfredo bake with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook 5-7 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic, whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  5. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add uncooked penne pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat. Return chicken to skillet. Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Season with remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  7. Cover skillet with lid or foil and bake for 20 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce bubbly.
  8. Remove lid or foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for 5-7 minutes until cheese is golden and melty.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in more broth or cream. If too thin, simmer gently to thicken. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture. Let bake rest after cooking to thicken sauce and meld flavors. Can substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjust cooking time accordingly. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and vegan cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo, one-pot meal, creamy pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal, baked pasta