Easy Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta | Family Pack Recipe

Looking for a quick and delicious meal that can feed the whole family, satisfy a crowd at your next party, or be the star of a potluck? This Easy Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Pasta is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

Using a generous 900g (2-pound) family pack of penne pasta, this recipe ensures there’s plenty to go around, making it ideal for family dinners, large gatherings, and potlucks alike. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or bringing a dish to share, this big batch recipe has you covered!

While this isn’t the traditional Alfredo, it’s a rich and creamy dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or bringing a dish to share, this big batch recipe has you covered!”

What You Need to Make Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta

You will need these ingredients:

Chicken:
- 500g boneless chicken breast, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons oil

Pasta:
- 900g (2 pounds) penne pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water

Sauce:
- 2 sticks (200g) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g flour
- 2 liters full-fat milk
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 500ml cooking cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dried oregano, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
- Chicken stock or MSG-free chicken stock cube, optional
- 200g (approximately 2 cups) Parmesan cheese, shredded

Topping:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese

How To Make Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Cook The Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped chicken breast and season with salt and pepper.
Add the minced garlic and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.

Cover and simmer for a few minutes to ensure the chicken is tender.

Prepare The Pasta

Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make The Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta Sauce

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and stir for a bit until fragrant.
Add the flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in the full-fat milk and the reserved pasta water. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooking cream, and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add nutmeg powder. For extra flavor, add chicken stock or a chicken stock cube.
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce.

Combine And Bake

Mix the cooked chicken and boiled pasta into the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a large oven tray.
Top with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for a few minutes if needed to get a golden brown top.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Pasta Variety, Cheese Selection, and Leftover Management

Choice of Pasta

While penne is traditionally used in baked chicken Alfredo pasta, consider experimenting with different pasta shapes to add diversity and enhance texture.

Rigatoni’s robust ridges hold sauce effectively, providing a hearty dining experience.
Bowtie pasta (farfalle) offers a playful shape loved by all ages, while large macaroni brings a nostalgic, comforting touch.

Varying the pasta shapes allows you to tailor the dish for different occasions or personal preferences.

Cheese Selection

For optimal results, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated alternatives. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce, contributing to a creamy, cohesive blend. This ensures the cheese integrates fully with other ingredients, enriching both texture and flavor.

Additionally, consider experimenting with cheeses like Romano or Asiago to introduce nuanced taste profiles.

Handling Leftovers

This baked chicken Alfredo pasta not only delights straight from the oven but also excels as leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To restore its creamy consistency when reheating, a splash of milk or cream may be necessary. This makes it a convenient choice for meal prepping or enjoying a homemade meal later in the week.

Note that due to its cream-based sauce, this dish doesn’t freeze well as it can separate upon thawing and reheating.

Make Ahead Tips & Storing Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Here are some make-ahead tips and storage guidance for your baked chicken Alfredo pasta:

Preparation Ahead Of Time

You can prepare the baked chicken Alfredo pasta ahead of time up to the point of baking.

Cook the chicken, boil the pasta, and prepare the sauce as directed in your recipe.
Once combined, let the pasta cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container or oven-safe dish if planning to bake later.

Storage

Store the prepared dish in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Use an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.

Reheating

To maintain optimal flavor and texture when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta before heating. This helps restore the creaminess of the sauce.
Reheat in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) to avoid drying out the pasta.

Alternatively, reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Freezing Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta

While this dish can be stored in the freezer, be aware that cream-based sauces may separate upon thawing and reheating. If freezing, cool the dish completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating slowly to minimize sauce separation

Baked Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Variations & Substitutions

Here are some quick flavor enhancements for your baked chicken Alfredo pasta:

Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, thyme, rosemary.
Vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach.

Spices: Red pepper flakes, nutmeg, Italian seasoning.
Cheese: Romano, Asiago, Fontina. Use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for a vegan option.
Protein: Cooked bacon, grilled shrimp, Italian sausage or cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken.

Sauces: Pesto, balsamic glaze, truffle oil.
Pasta: Try rigatoni, farfalle (bowtie pasta), or gluten-free pasta.
Dairy: Use low-fat milk or skim milk instead of full-fat milk. substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or Greek yogurt.

What Can You Serve It With

Garlic Bread: Serve with homemade or store-bought garlic bread for a classic Italian pairing. It’s perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.

Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables such as broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a colorful and nutritious side dish.

Conclusion

This easy baked chicken alfredo penne pasta is a crowd-pleaser that saves time and effort in the kitchen. Using a 900g family pack of penne ensures you have enough to satisfy everyone at the table.

Though it deviates from the traditional Alfredo, this rich and creamy version is a hit at any family dinner, party, or potluck. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal with your loved ones!