If you are craving a comforting, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This irresistible casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious blend of three cheeses all baked together in a rich Alfredo sauce. It delivers a cozy dinner that pleases both family and friends with its melty cheese, savory garlic, and that classic Alfredo creaminess you adore. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want delicious leftovers, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish plays a starring role, making the flavor irresistibly rich and the texture delightfully creamy. From the pasta’s comforting bite to the combo of cheeses that melt into a velvety sauce, each component is simple but essential to the magic of this bake.
- 1 (16-oz) package penne or elbow macaroni: Choose your favorite pasta shape that soaks up sauce wonderfully.
- 1 (22-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that makes the dish so decadent and flavorful.
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream: Adds tang and extra silkiness to the sauce mix.
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese: Brings a lush, creamy texture with a mild flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and savory notes.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken: Tender and hearty protein that makes this meal satisfying.
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten: Helps bind the ingredients together for a perfect bake.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty kick and classic Italian flavor.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Provides a fresh, bright herbal touch for balance.
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, gooey topping everyone loves.
How to Make Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready to bring everything together beautifully. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to keep your bake from sticking and to make cleanup easier. Then, cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—just tender enough to hold up during baking but still with a bit of bite. Drain and return it to the pot to keep warm.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, stir together the Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, and minced garlic. This rich combo forms the luscious base of your bake, blending creamy and tangy notes. Next, add the cooked chicken and lightly beaten eggs, which act as a binder to give your dish structure while remaining incredibly creamy. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for that perfect balance of herbal freshness and sharp cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Mix Pasta with Sauce and Prepare to Bake
Gently fold the pasta into your creamy mixture, making sure every piece is coated with that indulgent sauce. Pour this entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top in an even layer—it will melt into a bubbly, golden crust that’s pure comfort food magic.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe uncovered for about 30 minutes. During this time, the top will bubble and turn a lovely golden color as the mozzarella melts. This step melds all the flavors and textures together into a warm, creamy, and aromatic dish that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh burst of color and flavor, sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper just before serving. You can even add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the creamy richness slightly, offering a little zing that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
The richness of this bake pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Try a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also work well to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next dinner gathering, serve this dish directly in the baking dish for a rustic feel, or scoop into individual ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Garnish each portion with a fresh basil leaf or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some color and subtle heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it a perfect meal to enjoy again the next day.
Freezing
This Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and bubbly. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings, covering loosely, and stir halfway to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and elbow macaroni work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini if you prefer. Just cook according to package directions for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing before baking?
You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free or use alternative cheeses?
While traditional cheeses make this dish so delicious, you can try dairy-free Alfredo sauce and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be different, but it’s still a comforting meal.
What type of cooked chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even leftover roast chicken all work wonderfully. Just chop into bite-sized pieces to evenly distribute through the bake.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to mix in cooked spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the cheese mixture before baking. They add vibrant color and extra nutrients without overpowering the creamy Alfredo flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe, it’s destined to become a staple on your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect blend of cheesy indulgence, comforting textures, and easy preparation that makes weeknight meals something truly special. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to make a dish that brings smiles and warm full bellies all around.
Print
Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Three Cheese Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole combining penne with a rich Alfredo sauce, ricotta, sour cream, and tender cooked chicken. It’s topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package penne or elbow macaroni
Cheese and Dairy
- 1 (22-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Other Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the penne or macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir together the Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, chopped cooked chicken, lightly beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh parsley with the cooked pasta until everything is evenly mixed.
- Assemble Bake: Spread the pasta mixture evenly into the greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked and chopped before starting. Rotisserie chicken works well for quick prep.
- You can substitute frozen cooked chicken but thaw it completely before using.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheeses and light Alfredo sauce.
- Adding some steamed broccoli or spinach can add nutrition and color.
- Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
