If you’re looking for a chicken dish with a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, I’ve got a delicious recipe for Chicken Alfredo Bake that combines tender chicken with a decadent Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. Here’s how to make it:

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

For the Bake:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta or rotini (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken (or a separate saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk, and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes.

4. Combine and Bake:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the additional 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

5. Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Chicken Options: For a different flavor, you can use rotisserie chicken or add cooked bacon bits.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

This Chicken Alfredo Bake is sure to be a hit with its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. Enjoy!