Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Sure! Here’s a delicious recipe for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

For the Bake:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute until lightly golden.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
4. Assemble the Bake:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until well combined.
   • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Enjoy your creamy chicken Alfredo pasta bake!