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Easy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

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A creamy, cheesy, soul-warming pasta bake made with a secret ingredient—cream cheese—for an ultra-smooth, tangy Alfredo-style sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Slowly pour in whole milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously. Increase heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until sauce thickens slightly (3-4 minutes). The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan. Whisk until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Adjust to taste.
  7. Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  8. Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top. For a browner top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions to prevent mushiness. Soften cream cheese to room temperature for a smooth sauce. Shred your own cheese for best melting. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken alfredo bake, easy pasta bake, cream cheese alfredo, chicken alfredo casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/easy-creamy-chicken-alfredo-bake-recipe/