Garlic Chicken Alfredo Bake 🧄🍗
Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with tender chicken and pasta, this Alfredo bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole! Perfect for weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Chicken & Pasta:
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12 oz (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
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1.5 lbs (680g) boneless chicken breasts, cubed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper to taste
For the Garlic Alfredo Sauce:
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½ cup (1 stick) butter
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6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (+ extra for topping)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances flavor)
For the Topping:
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
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2 tbsp melted butter
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Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta & Chicken
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (it’ll finish baking). Drain and set aside.
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Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden (5-6 mins). Set aside.
2. Make the Garlic Alfredo Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute (don’t burn!).
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Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Simmer 2-3 mins until slightly thickened.
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Reduce heat to low, then whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg until smooth.
3. Assemble the Bake
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In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with shredded mozzarella.
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
4. Bake & Broil
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Bake 20 mins until bubbly.
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Broil 1-2 mins for a golden crust (watch closely!).
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips & Variations
🔥 Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce.
🍤 Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops.
🥦 Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli.
🍝 Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce (add extra garlic!).
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly cheesy—this bake is pure comfort in every bite! 😋🍝
Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!