If you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance, Chicken Alfredo Baked Penne is a fantastic choice. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 16 oz box penne pasta, cooked al dente according to package instructions
- Meat:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables:
- 12 oz bag frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
- Sauce:
- 2 jars (16 oz each) Alfredo sauce
- Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
- Other:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is ready once all your ingredients are assembled and ready to bake.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the instructions on the package. This usually takes around 10 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Al dente pasta will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the Alfredo sauce without becoming mushy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they are browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set the chicken aside.
4. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, browned chicken, thawed broccoli cuts, and Alfredo sauce. Gently stir to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. The Alfredo sauce is rich and creamy, so be sure to taste before adding more seasoning.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring that the entire surface is covered.
6. Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- If you like a crispier top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve:
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- This dish is best enjoyed warm, with the cheese still gooey and the flavors melded together.
Tips and Variations
- Chicken Tips:
- Tender vs. Breasts: While chicken tenders cook faster and are easier to manage, chicken breasts work just as well. If using breasts, slice them into thin, even strips to ensure they cook evenly.
- Seasoning: For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning before cooking. This can enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Pasta Alternatives:
- Variety: If penne isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with other types of pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente to avoid overcooking in the oven.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time as it may differ from regular pasta.
- Vegetable Additions:
- Mix It Up: While broccoli is a classic choice, you can mix in other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas. These add color and additional nutrients to the dish.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it before adding to the casserole. This ensures it cooks properly in the oven and remains tender-crisp.
- Sauce Enhancements:
- Homemade Alfredo: For a richer, more customized flavor, you can make your own Alfredo sauce from scratch. Simply combine butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a saucepan, and cook until thickened.
- Lighter Option: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use a light Alfredo sauce or substitute part of the Alfredo with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for added protein and reduced fat.
- Cheese Lovers:
- Extra Cheesy: For an extra cheesy casserole, mix in some shredded Parmesan or provolone cheese along with the mozzarella. This will give the dish an extra layer of richness and flavor.
- Crusty Topping: Add some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan on top before baking for a crunchy, golden crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Alfredo Baked Penne is the epitome of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, pasta, and broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious Alfredo sauce, makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist. The baked mozzarella on top adds a delightful gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this dish is a winner. Its versatility allows you to customize it to your family’s tastes, and it pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Give it a try, and it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
