Chicken Alfredo Bake

(5)

This chicken Alfredo bake is a comforting, creamy casserole that combines tender chicken breast, whole-wheat pasta and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce, all baked together until golden and bubbly. The sauce coats every bite with ooey-gooey goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. Serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for an easy, satisfying meal.

A recipe image of Chicken Alfredo Bake.
Credit:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
6
  • Whole-wheat penne is an easy way to add more fiber to this dish. 
  • This hearty pasta bake is on the table in under an hour. 
  • Reserved pasta water helps pull the creamy sauce together.

Our Chicken Alfredo Bake feels warm and comforting, and remains light and full of delicious flavor. Protein-packed chicken bakes in a homemade Alfredo sauce made with a blend of cheeses, creamy half-and-half and aromatic onions and garlic. The sauce clings to the ridges in the whole-wheat penne while it bakes and is topped with more gooey, melty cheese. Garnish this crowd-pleasing casserole with fresh parsley for brightness and color. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to add even more flavor and nutrition to this dish, time-saving suggestions and more.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Be sure you don’t overcook the pasta when boiling; you want it to be just al dente, as it will continue to cook after being assembled. Also, remember to save your pasta water! It helps bind the sauce to the pasta, resulting in a much creamier texture.
  • To enhance the flavor of this casserole, consider adding ingredients such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes or crushed red pepper. Including spinach would also provide a nice earthy touch.
  • To save on preparation time, we used a prepackaged, pre-shredded Italian cheese blend. However, shredding Asiago or fontina cheese would also be a delicious option. 
  • For the Parmesan, we recommend grating it by hand rather than using a pre-grated variety.

Nutrition Notes

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the main protein source in this dish. Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as for helping you feel fuller after a meal. Chicken also contains B vitamins to keep your metabolism working efficiently, and choline for brain health. Choosing skinless chicken ensures you keep your saturated fat intake low. 
  • Choosing whole-wheat penne over regular pasta helps you get more fiber into your diet. Along with protein, fiber helps to slow digestion to keep you fuller for longer after a meal. Fiber is essential for good digestive health and for a healthy microbiome.
  • Garlic is often overlooked as a healthy ingredient, but it’s high in antioxidant power. When you cut or crush garlic, like in this recipe, you release a compound called allicin, which has cancer-fighting and anti-inflammatory effects.
Ingredients for a chicken Alfredo bake on a counter including chicken pasta cheese cream broth butter garlic and seasonings

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 12 ounces whole-wheat penne

  • pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces

  • 1 tablespoon salt-free Italian seasoning, divided

  • ¾ teaspoon salt, divided

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion

  • 3 medium cloves garlic, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)

  • 1 cup half-and-half

  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth

  • 2 ounces cream cheese (¼ cup), softened

  • cups finely grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup shredded Italian-style cheese blend

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot.

  2. Meanwhile, toss chicken pieces with 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a clean cutting board and loosely cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean.

    Cooked diced chicken seasoned and prepared in a white pan

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

  3. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter; cook until melted, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chopped garlic and the remaining 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 cup half-and-half, 1 cup chicken stock, the softened cream cheese and the reserved cooking water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; gradually whisk in 1½ cups Parmesan until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.

    A creamy pasta sauce with herbs being stirred in a skillet with a wooden spoon

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

  4. Add the sauce to the pot with the pasta. Add the chicken and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; stir until well coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to the skillet; spread in an even layer. Sprinkle with ½ cup Italian cheese blend.

    A skillet filled with pasta topped with grated cheese a step in the preparation of chicken Alfredo bake

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

  5. Bake, covered, until the pasta mixture is hot and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese is browned in spots, about 6 more minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to use chicken breasts?


    You can use leftover chicken from a previous meal, chicken thighs or even a rotisserie chicken, if you wish. Rotisserie chicken will add sodium, so keep that in mind if you’re watching your sodium intake.

  • Can I use any shape pasta?

    We used penne, but you can also choose another short pasta shape, such as farfalle, fusilli or rigatoni. Alternatively, you could opt for fettuccine or any pasta you prefer.

  • How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container or individual servings in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the food in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Cover the dish to maintain moisture. For smaller portions, use a microwave and add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

  • Can I freeze the casserole?

    You can freeze an unbaked casserole for up to 3 months, but you’ll need a freezer-safe pan, such as a disposable foil pan. To prepare it for freezing, double-wrap it in plastic wrap, pressing down firmly, then add a layer of foil. If you prefer to freeze a cooked casserole, it can be stored for about 2 months. Allow it to cool completely after baking, then wrap it in double layers. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

  • What should I serve with Chicken Alfredo Bake?

    We would pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables along with a loaf of garlic bread or our Rosemary & Garlic Breadsticks. Here are some of our favorite recipe sides to consider: Melting Broccoli, Green Beans with Parmesan Garlic Breadcrumbs and Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts.

EatingWell.com, August 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

620 Calories
26g Fat
53g Carbs
43g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1½ cups
Calories 620
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 53g 19%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Total Sugars 4g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 43g 86%
Total Fat 26g 34%
Saturated Fat 12g 61%
Cholesterol 137mg 46%
Vitamin A 181µg
Vitamin C 3mg 3%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 14%
Folate 89µg
Vitamin K 18µg
Sodium 627mg 27%
Calcium 251mg 19%
Iron 3mg 17%
Magnesium 102mg 24%
Potassium 679mg 14%
Zinc 3mg 29%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.