Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake

Craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together with minimal fuss? The Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake is your answer. This delicious one-dish wonder simplifies your favorite pasta classic into an effortless casserole, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a reliable go-to that everyone will adore.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake :

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 ounces fettuccine pasta, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake :

Whip up an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal with this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake. Its simplicity belies its rich flavor, boasting a lusciously creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken baked to perfection. With a preparation time of just about 25 minutes active cooking and 30 minutes baking, it’s a true weeknight hero!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Chicken and Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you haven’t already, cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly throughout the bake. You can lightly season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper now for extra flavor, or wait until you add them to the sauce.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Brown Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Push the onions and garlic to the sides of the skillet and add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and vegetables from the skillet and set aside, leaving any rendered juices behind.

3. Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is lightly golden. Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken. Then, whisk in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

4. Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a more herby Alfredo, this is also a good time to add a pinch of dried Italian seasoning or a teaspoon of fresh chives.

5. Add Pasta and Chicken to the Sauce:
Add the uncooked 12 ounces of fettuccine pasta directly into the creamy Alfredo sauce in the skillet. The pasta will cook in the sauce as it bakes. Stir well to ensure all the pasta strands are coated. Then, add the cooked chicken and sautéed onions and garlic back into the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine, making sure the chicken and vegetables are distributed evenly throughout the pasta and sauce.

6. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden:
If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle an additional generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the bake. Place the skillet or baking dish, uncovered, into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. If you want an extra browned topping, you can broil it for the last minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.

7. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake :

You’ll absolutely adore this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake for its ultimate comfort food factor, delivering a luxuriously creamy and cheesy experience that’s way more satisfying than a simple skillet meal. Plus, making this dish at home is significantly more cost-effective than ordering takeout or dining out, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors on a budget. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, velvety Alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a double layer of cheese, makes it truly special, offering a heartier and more decadent twist on classic chicken Alfredo.

Forget the stress of multiple pots and pans; this one-dish wonder proves that delicious, restaurant-quality meals can be incredibly simple to achieve. It’s the perfect recipe to have in your arsenal for busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please the whole family, offering a hug in a bowl. So grab your ingredients and dive into this delightful Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake – your taste buds will thank you!

Storing and Reheating Tips :

To store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake, allow it to cool completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a few options for optimal deliciousness:

• Microwave: For individual portions, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish. Reheat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the pasta gummy.
• Oven: For a larger portion or to best recapture the baked texture, transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish. You can add a splash of milk or cream to help rehydrate the sauce. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you desire a slightly crisper topping.

Freezing: If you want to freeze portions for future meals, it’s best to freeze them before baking if possible. However, baked leftovers can also be frozen. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts :

The Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dinner Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly comforting and flavorful meal. We encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a guaranteed hit that simplifies your dinner routine while delivering pure deliciousness.