Pin A creamy comforting casserole featuring tender chicken fettuccine pasta and a rich Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping.
I first made this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo Bake for my family's cozy Sunday dinner and it quickly became a requested favorite with everyone loving the creamy texture and cheesy topping.
Ingredients
- Pasta and Proteins: 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine pasta 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast diced or shredded
- Sauce: 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter 3 cloves garlic minced 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 1/2 cups (150 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Topping: 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the fettuccine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream stirring constantly until thickened about 4–5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings:
- Stir in Parmesan salt pepper and nutmeg until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine with Chicken and Pasta:
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. If desired broil for 2–3 minutes for a crisper top.
- Garnish:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Pin This bake always brings us together at the table and even picky eaters in my family ask for seconds when it comes out of the oven.
Required Tools
Large pot saucepan whisk baking dish colander and mixing spoon make preparation simple and efficient for this casserole.
Notes
For extra flavor add sautéed mushrooms or spinach substitute with rotisserie chicken for convenience pair with a green salad and garlic bread or use gluten-free ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories 610 Total Fat 28 g Carbohydrates 56 g Protein 36 g per serving making this a hearty main dish.
Pin Enjoy this comforting casserole as a delicious centerpiece for your next family meal or potluck gathering.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I achieve the perfect sauce consistency?
Gradually whisk milk and cream into the roux over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened to a smooth, creamy texture.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken works well or you can use turkey or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- → What pasta type works best for this dish?
Fettuccine is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but other flat pastas like linguine can be used as well.
- → How to get a crispy cheesy topping?
Bake until bubbly and golden, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisp, browned cheese crust.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra flavor?
Adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the sauce enhances flavor and texture nicely.