This Chicken Alfredo Bake is an easy casserole recipe made with pasta, homemade Alfredo sauce and lean chicken breasts. Meal prep and freezer friendly.
Table of Contents
I first shared this recipe on Spend with Pennies.
School is in full swing and along with it come all the after school activities, lessons, homework and related chaos.
This is our first year doing piano lessons with our 7 year old, which is the first extra curricular activity we’ve had all.year.long.
This means our lives are feeling a little busier than ever before, with two kids in school and one busy toddler.
It’s easy, make ahead recipes like this Chicken Alfredo Bake to the rescue. (A few of our other favourites? These Ricotta Stuffed Shells and Turkey Stuffed Peppers).
Perfectly prep-ahead-able, freezer friendly (so you can make 2 8×8’s instead of a 9×13” pan if you prefer and freeze one for a particularly crazy weeknight), and the family devours it.
How to make this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake:
Hear me out: there are a few steps to preparing this Chicken Alfredo Bake, but cooking everything in advance is (a) essential, and (b) going to save you all the prep time when dinner rolls around.
- Cook your pasta: you can use any kind of short pasta for this recipe: macaroni, bowtie pasta, fusilli, rotini, or anything your heart desires! You can also use white or whole wheat pasta as you prefer.
- Cook your chicken: you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but I like to use chicken breasts. This recipe calls for cooked, chopped chicken, so it’s great for leftovers from a whole chicken or if you’ve made a big batch of this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken or this Crockpot Shredded Chicken. Don’t have leftover chicken? Throw these Slow Cooker Chicken Breasts in and they’ll be ready in no time!
- Cook your Alfredo sauce: you can absolutely use store bought Alfredo sauce, just make sure you choose one that tastes like something. I honestly haven’t found a store bough Alfredo sauce that compares to homemade, so I’ve included my recipe for simple Alfredo sauce in the recipe. But if you need to take a shortcut, it’s an easy way to save time.
- Throw it all together: after everything is prepped, you just toss it together and either bake or stash it in the fridge or freezer for later.
How to make this Chicken Alfredo Bake in advance:
Store it in the refrigerator:
You can prepare your casserole, wrap tightly, and refrigerate up to 2 days.
You may be able to get away with a little bit longer, but it will depend on the freshness of your ingredients when you started.
To serve, simply follow the directions for baking whenever you’re ready!
Store it in the freezer:
To freeze this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake, prepare completely, then wrap tightly (I like to do plastic wrap then tin foil to prevent freezer burn, but you do you) and freeze flat on a shelf.
To bake, you can either place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw (this is going to give you the best results as the pasta won’t become as mushy since it doesn’t have to cook as long to reheat), then remove the plastic wrap and recover with foil to bake.
You can place the pan from the freezer into the oven while it is preheating, and add 20-30 minutes to the bake time (approximately — cook until heated). I always recommend baking with foil or covering of some sort to prevent drying out.
More make ahead casseroles you’ll love:
Chicken Alfredo Bake
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chopped chicken (about 3 breasts)
- 5 cups short pasta about 340 grams, cooked to al dente
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Alfredo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk 1-2%
- 1 1/2 cups half and half cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a 9×13″ baking dish or two 8×8″ baking dishes, place chicken and pasta. Set cheese aside for topping.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Stir in the flour until absorbed, and cook 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until combined and smooth. Stir in the salt, Italian seasoning, pepper and Parmesan cheese.
- Cook over medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until thickened and smooth.
- Pour over pasta and chicken in baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Follow directions in post above to store for later, or cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil to brown the cheese if desired.
- Serve.
Nutrition Information
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Kathi L Hibbs says
I used 1cup chicken broth and 1 cup evaporated milk just because that’s what I had on hand. It was very good and tasty! I added fresh oregano from my garden
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kathi!
Sharon G Chapman says
If using jar alfredo – how many cups/ounces?
Ashley Fehr says
About 3 cups
Cathy says
Hi Ashley,
This looks delish! I was wondering if you’ve ever made the alfredo sauce with all milk before and did it turn out? Love your recipes. 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Cathy! Yes you can make it just with milk, it is just not as rich in flavor 🙂
Mary says
Which kind of cheese for the sauce? Grated or shredded?
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, grated or shredded will work great!
Diane says
Can used turkey instead of chicken?
Ashley Fehr says
Absolutely!
Kellie Hemmerly says
This was so fast and easy to make! Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kellie!
Katie says
This chicken alfredo turned out SOO yummy! Was such a hit in our home even for the picky eaters! Can’t wait to make again!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Katie! It’s a hit here too!
Jennifer says
Chicken Alfredo is one of my favorite comfort food recipes! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jennifer!
Katie says
This is one of my all time favorite weeknight dinners. My family can’t get enough of it either!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Katie!
Eden says
This was so creamy! Easy to make and everyone loved it! Pinning it!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Eden!
Jessica Formicola says
We made this for dinner last night and it was incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica! I’m so glad to hear that!
Pam Greer says
I love this chicken alfredo in casserole form! I plan on always having one of these in the freezer!! I just double the recipe and freeze one!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! They’re so handy!
Janet Wilson says
How much pasta is the 5 cups? Is it cooked or dry cups?
Lydia says
Is it 5 cups dry pasta or 5 cups cooked pasta ?
Ashley Fehr says
Dry pasta