Instructions:
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain well.
Step 3
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the garlic for 1 minute.
Step 4
Whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms.
Step 5
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
Step 6
Cook the sauce until it begins to thicken, stirring constantly.
Step 7
Stir in three-quarters of the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and the nutmeg until melted.
Step 8
Add the cooked pasta and rotisserie chicken to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
Step 9
Transfer the mixture to a casserole or baking dish.
Step 10
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 11
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 12
Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh green salad if desired.
Tips and Variations:
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano melts much better than pre-shredded cheese and gives the Alfredo sauce a richer, smoother texture with authentic flavor. It also helps create a creamier sauce without becoming grainy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook the penne just until al dente because it will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly firm pasta holds its shape better and prevents the finished bake from becoming soft or mushy.
Add Vegetables
Broccoli florets, spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted bell peppers can be mixed into the pasta before baking for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. This is an easy way to turn the dish into a complete one-pan meal.
Try Different Proteins
Swap the rotisserie chicken for cooked turkey, grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to create new flavor variations while keeping the creamy Alfredo base.
Create a Crispy Topping
For extra texture, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese over the casserole before baking. The topping becomes beautifully golden and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Alfredo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for Later
Freeze the cooled casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated.
