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Creamy Crispy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

Creamy Crispy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make pasta bake featuring tender pasta, rich homemade Alfredo sauce, and crispy pan-fried chicken topped with a golden cheesy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Salted water, for boiling
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
  3. Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Slowly pour in 2 cups of heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
  7. Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
  8. Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
  9. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs evenly across the top.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen. If too thin, simmer longer until it coats the back of a spoon. Avoid overcooking chicken before baking to prevent dryness. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and thicker sauce. For extra crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, creamy pasta bake, crispy chicken pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, baked pasta, Alfredo sauce, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-crispy-chicken-alfredo-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-perfect-dinner-idea/