Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake combines lasagna noodles, chicken, spinach, and a rich Alfredo sauce, baked to perfection with layers of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of a comforting pasta bake filling the kitchen—a dish that not only warms the heart but also brings everyone together around the dinner table. This recipe for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake is one of those dishes that has become a staple in our family gatherings. It all started when I was looking for a way to jazz up a traditional Alfredo dish. Combining the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and the earthy goodness of spinach, all layered between lasagna noodles and melted cheese, was a stroke of genius. The result? A dish that not only satisfies the appetite but also creates memorable moments shared with loved ones.
What makes this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake special ?
The key allure of this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake lies in its fusion of familiar flavors and comforting textures. It takes the classic Alfredo sauce to a new level by incorporating wholesome ingredients like fresh spinach and tender shredded chicken. The use of lasagna noodles provides a satisfying bite, while the layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add a delightful richness and gooey goodness. What sets this dish apart is its ability to cater to both casual family dinners and special gatherings, offering a hearty, flavorful experience that everyone enjoys.
What do you need to make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake special:
In crafting this recipe, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce’s richness, while ricotta cheese contributes to its creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Preparing the lasagna noodles by soaking them in hot water ensures they cook evenly and maintain their texture throughout baking.
Steps to make this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Prepare: Preheat your oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Soak the lasagna noodles in hot water while preparing the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in butter until translucent. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer and stir in Parmesan and ricotta until melted. Add shredded chicken and adjust thickness if needed.
- Assemble Layers: Spread a layer of Alfredo mixture in the baking dish. Layer with soaked noodles, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake until bubbly. Uncover, broil briefly for cheese browning.
- Serve: Let cool before serving, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley.
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 12-15 lasagna noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 10 oz fresh baby spinach
- 4 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley minced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside. Place lasagna noodles in a separate 9x13-inch dish and cover with hot water to soak while preparing the sauce, ensuring to agitate occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add Spinach and Prepare Sauce: Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted. Pour in heavy cream, add dried basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ricotta cheese until melted and well combined. Add shredded chicken breast and adjust sauce thickness as needed by simmering for a few minutes if too liquid.
- Layering: Spread a thin layer of the Alfredo sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of soaked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Top with about one-third of the Alfredo sauce mixture, followed by one-third of the grated mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ensuring that mozzarella cheese is the top layer.
- Baking: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake!