Description
A creamy, comforting baked chicken Alfredo recipe that is easy to make with simple ingredients, featuring a golden bubbly cheese crust and a rich yet light Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (8-9 minutes). Drain, toss with a drizzle of olive oil, and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic, whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth, continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5 minutes). Stir in remaining Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, combine cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce. Slice seared chicken and arrange on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the dish.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and golden. Optionally broil for 2 minutes for extra browning, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Finish with fresh black pepper and chopped parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
[‘Searing the chicken locks in juices and adds flavor.’, ‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.’, ‘Whisk sauce constantly to avoid lumps and ensure silky texture.’, ‘Adjust baking time for thicker chicken breasts; use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).’, ‘Make sauce and cook pasta up to two days ahead for meal prep.’, ‘For extra richness, stir in cream cheese or half-and-half before baking.’, ‘To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch (half the amount).’, ‘Reheat leftovers gently on stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken Alfredo, baked chicken Alfredo, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy baked pasta