Chicken Alfredo Bake

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Looking for the ultimate comfort food to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than our delightful Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce that will leave your taste buds singing with joy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Chicken Alfredo Bake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious!

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz. package penne pasta
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (marinated in Italian dressing if desired)
  • Vegetable oil
  • ¼ tsp thyme
  • ¼ tsp poultry seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 3 cups milk
  • 3 cups Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend (divided)
  • Italian Seasoning, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing if desired. For even cooking, slice them in half to create thinner pieces.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  3. Heat 1 – 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and poultry seasoning, then cook them in the hot oil until done. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let them cool.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. In a separate large skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 – 2 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Whisk in flour until bubbly, then gradually stir in half and half and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in 1½ cups of Italian Five Cheese Blend until melted and the sauce thickens.
  8. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to a large bowl along with the cooked pasta. Pour the sauce over the chicken and pasta, and mix well to combine.
  9. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick spray and transfer the pasta mixture into the pan.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheese over the top, then add a sprinkle of pepper for an extra kick.
  11. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Garnish with Italian seasoning before serving to add a final burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 35 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Servings: 8

Serving Tip:

For a complete meal, serve your Chicken Alfredo Bake with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. The combination of flavors and textures will complement each other perfectly, providing a satisfying dining experience for you and your guests. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Storage Tip:

If you have any leftovers (although it’s hard to imagine with such a delicious dish!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can either use the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. If using the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and reheat at a low temperature to ensure even heating throughout. Enjoy the leftovers as a quick and convenient meal whenever hunger strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter for this chocolate frosting?
    • While it’s best to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the frosting, you can substitute salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful of the additional salt content and consider reducing the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly.
  2. Can I make this chocolate frosting ahead of time?
    • Absolutely! This frosting can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before using. Give it a quick stir to restore its creamy texture before frosting your desserts.
  3. What’s the best way to achieve a smooth consistency for the frosting?
    • To achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, it’s essential to ensure that the butter is properly softened before whipping. Additionally, gradually adding the powdered sugar and other dry ingredients while continuously mixing will help prevent lumps from forming. If the frosting seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little more milk, and if it’s too thin, incorporate additional powdered sugar until you reach the desired texture.
  4. Can I customize this chocolate frosting recipe to suit dietary restrictions or preferences?
    • Absolutely! This recipe can be easily customized to accommodate various dietary needs or flavor preferences. For a dairy-free option, you can use vegan butter and non-dairy milk alternatives. If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder or adding a splash of espresso for depth. Additionally, you can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar used in the recipe. Feel free to experiment and tailor the frosting to your liking!

Variations:

  1. Cream Cheese Chocolate Frosting:
    • For a tangy twist, try incorporating cream cheese into the frosting. Simply substitute half of the butter with softened cream cheese and follow the same steps for preparation. The cream cheese adds a delightful tanginess that complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
  2. Mocha Chocolate Frosting:
    • Elevate the flavor profile of your frosting by adding a hint of coffee. Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee or espresso powder in the milk before adding it to the frosting mixture. The subtle coffee flavor enhances the richness of the chocolate, creating a decadent mocha frosting that’s perfect for coffee lovers.
  3. Nutella Chocolate Frosting:
    • Indulge in the irresistible flavor of Nutella by incorporating it into the frosting. Simply replace a portion of the cocoa powder with Nutella and adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly. The creamy hazelnut spread adds a unique nutty flavor and velvety texture to the frosting, making it a heavenly topping for any dessert.
  4. Peppermint Chocolate Frosting:
    • Add a refreshing twist to your chocolate frosting with a touch of peppermint extract. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract along with the vanilla extract for a cool and refreshing flavor. This variation is perfect for holiday treats or anytime you crave a hint of minty freshness.
  5. Spiced Chocolate Frosting:
    • Infuse warm and cozy spices into your chocolate frosting for a delightful flavor boost. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder to the frosting mixture for a unique and aromatic twist. These spices complement the chocolate beautifully, creating a frosting that’s perfect for autumn or winter desserts.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor variations to customize your chocolate frosting according to your taste preferences and occasion. Whether you prefer classic chocolate, creamy Nutella, or a hint of spice, these variations offer endless possibilities for deliciously decadent desserts.

There you have it, a tantalizing Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion! With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Enjoy!