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Chicken Alfredo Bake Is the Ultimate High-Protein Dinner
Ingredients
- 12 ozwhole-wheat penne
- 1 ½ lbboneless
skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbspsalt-free italian seasoning
divided
- ¾ tspsalt
divided
- ½ tspground pepper
divided
- 2 tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbspunsalted butter
- ½ cfinely chopped yellow onion
- 3 mediumcloves garlic
finely chopped, 1 tablespoon
- 1 chalf-and-half
- 1 cunsalted chicken broth
- 2 ozcream cheese
softened, ¼ cup
- 1 ½ cfinely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cshredded italian-style cheese blend
- 1 tbspchopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain, reserving ¾ cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- 2
Meanwhile, toss chicken pieces with 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon. Transfer to a clean cutting board and loosely cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean.
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- 3
Return the skillet to medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons butter; cook until melted, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chopped garlic and the remaining 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 cup half-and-half, 1 cup chicken stock, the softened cream cheese and the reserved cooking water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is melted, about 3 minutes. Gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; gradually whisk in 1½ cups Parmesan until melted and smooth, about 2 minutes.
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- 4
Add the sauce to the pot with the pasta. Add the chicken and the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; stir until well coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to the skillet; spread in an even layer. Sprinkle with ½ cup Italian cheese blend.
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- 5
Bake, covered, until the pasta mixture is hot and the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Uncover and bake until the cheese is browned in spots, about 6 more minutes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon parsley.
Chicken Alfredo Bake Is the Ultimate High-Protein Dinner
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply satisfying, creamy dinner that also provides a substantial protein boost? This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate answer, delivering comforting, restaurant-quality flavors right to your table.
What makes this Chicken Alfredo Bake truly special is its commitment to both richness and robust nutrition. You'll find a perfectly balanced Alfredo sauce, made from scratch with half-and-half, cream cheese, and a generous blend of Parmesan and Italian-style cheeses, all complementing tender, bite-sized chicken breast and wholesome whole-wheat pasta. It’s a casserole designed to be both utterly delicious and remarkably fulfilling.
Expect a symphony of textures and tastes: the whole-wheat penne offers a pleasing chew, while the chicken breasts remain juicy and tender, infused with savory Italian seasoning. Every forkful is coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce that’s rich without being overly heavy, thanks to the thoughtful combination of dairy and broth. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that truly hits the spot, ideal for a family dinner where everyone will find something to love. Plus, at 620 calories per serving, it’s a substantial meal designed to leave you feeling satisfied.
For a touch of freshness, the recipe finishes with bright chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, adding a pop of color and herbaceous aroma. While this Chicken Alfredo Bake shines with whole-wheat penne, you could experiment with other short pasta shapes if preferred. For an extra layer of flavor, consider trying a different variety of shredded Italian-style cheese blend.
This robust chicken Alfredo bake is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, offering a complete, high-protein meal in one comforting dish. Serve it simply on its own, or alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.