Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce (or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine the Ingredients:
Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Assemble the Bake:
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken Alfredo mixture. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6