The Best Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne | Creamy, Cheesy Family Dinner!

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Looking for the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-make dinner recipe? This Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne is everything your family needs for a comforting, delicious meal! Made with a velvety homemade Alfredo sauce and baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty weekend dinner.

I’ll show you step-by-step how to make this crowd-pleaser, plus tips for adding chicken, seafood, or your favorite protein. It’s family-approved (my crew of 7 devours this every time), and now it’s your turn to enjoy this creamy baked pasta!

Recipe:

Ingredients:
    •    16 oz penne pasta
    •    3 Tbsp butter
    •    4 cloves garlic, minced
    •    3 Tbsp flour
    •    1 3/4 cups milk
    •    1/2 cup reserved pasta water
    •    1 cup heavy cream
    •    2 oz cream cheese
    •    1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
    •    Fresh thyme (optional)
    •    Fresh basil (save a pinch for garnish)
    •    1/2 tsp salt
    •    1.5 cups shredded mozzarella
    •    2 cups freshly shredded Parmesan

Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
    •    Cook the pasta according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2️⃣ Make the Alfredo Sauce:
    •    In a large skillet or pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
    •    Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup milk, then add the remaining milk and heavy cream.
    •    Mix in Italian seasoning, fresh thyme, fresh basil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
    •    Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted. Slowly add Parmesan cheese (about 2–4 handfuls) and mix well after each addition. Add 1 handful of mozzarella for extra creaminess.

3️⃣ Combine & Bake:
    •    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    •    Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Mix the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, ensuring everything is well-coated.
    •    (Optional) Mix in or top with blackened chicken, rotisserie chicken, or seafood.
    •    Sprinkle a thin layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

4️⃣ Bake:
    •    Bake for 20–25 minutes. For a golden finish, broil for the last 2 minutes.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
    •    Top with fresh basil and enjoy one of my family’s favorite meals!

✨ Top it Off: Want the perfect chicken to pair with this dish? Check out my blackened chicken recipe here: Chicken Alfredo Episode.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more family-friendly recipes, and let me know how your family loves this dish!

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