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This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a cozy baked pasta casserole that combines three of the most universally beloved foods—chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cheese. Get ready for a standing ovation from the whole table!

A spoonful of the best chicken Alfredo bake

Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Alfredo Recipe

  • It’s Wholesome But Tastes Indulgent. If you’ve been avoiding this more indulgent dish, it’s time to bust out your pasta pot, because this is a healthy chicken Alfredo bake. Made without heavy cream, this baked Alfredo recipe is a lightened-up casserole version of the decadent, universally adored Italian classic (just like my Chicken Tetrazzini and Turkey Tetrazzini).
  • Everyone LOVES It. Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this baked Alfredo is loaded with tender cooked chicken and al dente pasta coated in an easy homemade healthy Alfredo sauce. If ever a recipe were to be kid-approved, it would be chicken Alfredo.
  • Make it Your Own. And, for those who like to personalize their plates, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Toss in sautéed or roasted veggies (or grilled veggies like Grilled Asparagus), add some spice with red pepper flakes, or embrace an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (for good measure, of course). For pasta and broccoli, try my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo.
  • The Perfect Weeknight Meal. This easy chicken Alfredo bake is ready in just 1 hour, requiring only 15 minutes of active prep time. While it bakes, you can prepare a side dish, knock out your to-do list, or simply pour yourself a glass of wine and relax!
  • Leftover Friendly. Another reason it’s great for weeknights? It makes 10 delicious servings. This means you’ll have plenty of leftovers for lunches or dinners in the days ahead. It’s freezer-friendly too, so you can even freeze those leftovers (future you will be glad you did!).
Chicken Alfredo bake on a plate

5 Star Review

“My first time trying it and it was so good! Definitely a meal I will be making again!”

— Nicole —

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Bake

The Ingredients

  • Whole Wheat Pasta. A simple, healthy swap, whole wheat pasta packs extra fiber into this dish. I recommend using a short “tube” variety such as cavatappi, ziti, penne, or fusilli (unlike longer noodles, which I prefer for pan-style Garlic Shrimp Pasta).
  • Butter + Flour + Garlic. Butter, flour, and garlic create the base for our decadent-tasting homemade Alfredo sauce. The butter and garlic give it that beloved flavor, and the flour helps thicken everything up.
  • Milk + Chicken Broth. The liquid components of the sauce. I recommend using 1%, 2%, or whole milk to make sure the sauce isn’t too thin.
  • Spices. Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes make the sauce memorable.
  • Parmesan. The Alfredo sauce MVP!
  • Provolone. For that exquisite ooey-gooey, melty, cheesy baked Alfredo, we turn to shredded provolone cheese (mozzarella would also work well here).
  • Shredded Chicken. Using cooked, shredded chicken is an easy way to shave time off of this recipe.
  • Greek Yogurt. Greek yogurt gives the sauce a creamy texture. It works in harmony with the cheeses to help thicken the sauce without the need for heavy cream. (It’s also my secret to this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.)

The Directions

hot cooked pasta steaming in a colander on a counter
  1. Cook and Drain the Pasta. Leave it a little undercooked since it will bake more in the oven.
A roux being made in a pot
  1. Prepare the Roux for the Sauce. The flour will be a little golden.
Liquid being whisked into roux in a pot
  1. Whisk in the Milk and Broth. Let simmer to reduce.
Homemade Alfredo sauce in a pot for a chicken breast Alfredo bake
  1. Add the Parmesan. Stir in the yogurt. This makes it creamy without cream!
Ingredients in a pot for a baked chicken pasta casserole
  1. Add the Chicken and Pasta. Stir it all together.
Cheesy chicken Alfredo bake ready to go in the oven
  1. Bake. Layer the mixture in a baking dish with provolone cheese on top. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes. ENJOY!
The best chicken Alfredo bake in a large baking dish

Storage Tips

  • To Store. Refrigerate chicken Alfredo in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
  • To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or gently in the microwave.
  • To Freeze. Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage Tips

If freezing, to help with the texture after thawing, refrigerate the pasta bake first or let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer.

Creamy chicken Alfredo bake topped with parsley

What to Serve With a Chicken Alfredo Bake

Tasty chicken Alfredo bake in a casserole dish

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • From-Scratch Sauce is Worth It. Ditch the chicken alfredo bake with jarred sauce! I know the jar is tempting, but Alfredo sauce is SO EASY to make from scratch and so much better for you. The only ingredients you need for homemade Alfredo are milk, a touch of butter, flour, chicken broth, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan. No green can! Real Parmesan is a MUST-HAVE for this chicken Alfredo bake. It’s the most critical ingredient, so don’t skip it. The good stuff is worth it here!
  • Master the Roux. If you’re new to preparing sauces, the base of this recipe is called a roux. Let the roux cook for at least a full minute before adding any liquid. This ensures your sauce turns out silky smooth (as opposed to gritty) and does not have a raw flour taste.
  • Tips for Easy Chicken Prep. For easy shredded chicken, you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, or try one of my simple methods. Check out my Baked Chicken BreastInstant Pot ChickenCrock Pot Chicken, and How to Cook Shredded Chicken. I don’t love canned chicken for this recipe, as it is lackluster, a little mushy, and contains a lot of sodium.

Chicken Alfredo Bake

4.83 from 74 votes
This healthy chicken Alfredo bake is made without heavy cream for a lightened-up casserole version of classic Alfredo. Perfect for a crowd!

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound whole wheat pasta such as cavatappi, ziti, penne, or fusilli
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ¾ cup milk recommended: 1%, 2%, or whole
  • 1 (14-ounce) can low sodium chicken broth or 1 ¾ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided (MUST be freshly grated; no can!)
  • 1/2 cup low fat plain Greek yogurt* (I used 2%)
  • 3 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken** (about 3 medium breasts)
  • 1 cup shredded provolone or mozzarella cheese about 4 ounces—I recommend shredding yourself for the best melty sauce, divided
  • Chopped fresh parsley for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a large, 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Cook pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Be careful not to overcook so the pasta bake doesn’t become mushy. Drain into a colander, shaking off any excess water, and return the pasta to the same, now empty pot.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large, wide sauté pan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to remove any lumps. Stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and reduces by a little more than a third, about 8 to 10 minutes more. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Let cool 1 minute. Stir in the Greek yogurt.
  • Add the chicken and sauce to the pot with the pasta and stir to evenly combine.
  • Spread half of the pasta into the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of provolone cheese. Add the remaining pasta, spreading it evenly on top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and ½ cup provolone.
  • Bake the chicken Alfredo for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and beginning to turn golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • *If you don’t need a whole tub of Greek yogurt, look for the individual sizes (this is what I use!). You also can use non-fat yogurt, but be sure to let the sauce cool a few extra minutes, as non-fat dairy products have a tendency to curdle. Low fat is my top choice for the best creamy sauce! You also can swap for light sour cream.
  • **See Baked Chicken BreastInstant Pot ChickenCrock Pot Chicken, and How to Cook Shredded Chicken for easy cooking methods; or swap store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • TO STORE: Refrigerate chicken Alfredo in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
  • TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350°F or gently in the microwave.
  • TO FREEZE: Freeze leftovers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 10)Calories: 407kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 31gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 65mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 447IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 341mgIron: 3mg

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Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

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121 Comments

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  1. It’s a keeper! I had never thought of using provolone in an alfredo sauce. Love it! Perfect for those chilly, cozy weeknights!4 stars

  2. Made this and it was delicious. I served with your strawberry spinach salad (also delicious). Thanks for this recipe. Definitely a keeper.5 stars

  3. Yes!! Believe her notes – the homemade sauce and freshly grated cheeses are 100% worth it. Go big or go home! And this one you can go big AT home 😁5 stars

  4. Creamy dreamy chicken dinner. Delicious 😋 I made a chicken soup in a crockpot today – I used the chicken from the soup and the broth to create this dinner. I also added yesterday’s veggies to the mix. Easy, fast, and delicious 😋 I also posted it on my Instagram @agi1971 Thank you @wellplated for this October Challenge recipe 🤩😋5 stars

  5. Very easy to make using the instant pot shredded chicken hack and made a ton! Used all mozz instead of provolone as I don’t like most cheeses and added some extra spices to kick it up a notch. Would be a great freezer meal for new and busy parents.3 stars

  6. My family enjoyed this Alfredo chicken pasta bake. Normally I use heavy cream to make Alfredo but I liked how this used milk (cheaper!) and yogurt (healthier!). I also liked how I could put leftovers in the fridge and reheat the next day. I made two 9×12 pans of it and froze the second to keep for a busy night. I made the pressure-cooker chicken (in her recipe book) then I shredded it in my stand-up mixer (so easy!). I had leftover chicken for another meal too. :)
    We enjoyed eating it drizzled with some 18-year old balsamic vinegar – yum!
    Definitely recommend trying this recipe though it did take me longer than most meals I loved how I could make extra to store for later. (Ps. Wish we could post photos here)5 stars

  7. We make this recipe in my house quite a bit and love it! The freshly grated provolone gives it an excellent flavor so I recommend using that. We also added grilled chicken and mixed it in the last few times we have made it and loved that!5 stars

    1. Hi Cari, honestly I’d suggest cooking it right away and then reheating the next day. I haven’t attempted to make it ahead of time, but if you decide to experiment, I’d love to know how it goes.

  8. Very delicious Chicken Alfredo Bake. Might add broccoli next time before baking. The recipe is large enough for a pot luck.5 stars

  9. Absolutely delicious flavor but my sauce never thickened 😔. I’ve made roux-based sauces dozens of times with success, so wondering what could have happened?4 stars

    1. Hi Colleen, glad you enjoyed it. When making the roux it’s the heat and how quickly liquid is added that can affect the outcome. You might need to turn the stovetop up just a little or pour the liquid in slower to get it just right. All that though, the roux should get thicker as simmers. Hope this helps!

  10. This was amazing! In fact, I made it twice this month, once as written with a salad and then added broccoli the second time. So creamy, healthy, and delicious!5 stars

  11. It was good but it didn’t have enough sauce to cover the pasta well. It was mostly the pasta. If I make it again, I will double the sauce to pasta ration.4 stars

  12. Do you think I could make this earlier in the day for a party we are hosting, and then pop it in the oven later? Would it be okay to have it sit in the fridge for 6-8 hours and then go straight from the fridge to the oven? How would that effect cook time?

    1. Hi Emily, theoretically it should work just fine. I haven’t tested it myself so unsure how the flavors are going to merry together after sitting that long. You’ll definitely want to add more time when it’s in the oven. It will be cold so it will take longer to get nice and bubbly. If you decide to experiment with it, I’d love to know how it goes!

  13. It seems this recipe sent me into labor, but it was also very good and perfect for feeding a crowd. Can’t promise the labor part, but do promise it’s a great recipe.5 stars

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