This baked four cheese chicken alfredo combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with a blend of four delicious cheeses. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared in advance, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Overview of Baked Four Cheese Chicken Alfredo
This baked four cheese chicken alfredo is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The combination of four distinct cheeses creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is straightforward and can be prepared ahead of time. This makes it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The star of this dish is the blend of cheeses, which includes mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and cream cheese. Each cheese contributes its unique texture and flavor, resulting in a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta and chicken beautifully.
Along with the cheeses, the recipe calls for cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and a few pantry staples like garlic, butter, and Italian seasoning. This combination ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.
Preparation Steps to Follow
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden crust on top.
Next, prepare the creamy sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and sautéing minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add heavy cream and milk, allowing it to simmer before incorporating the cheeses. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy, then season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
Combining Ingredients for the Perfect Bake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and shredded chicken with the cheese sauce. It’s important to mix thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that luscious sauce.
Once combined, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to promote even cooking and browning.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
After this initial baking time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, bubbly cheese crust that makes this dish so appealing.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishing
Once baked, allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.
This creamy baked four cheese chicken alfredo pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
Delicious Baked Four Cheese Chicken Alfredo Recipe
This dish features cooked pasta mixed with a creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and a delightful combination of mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and cream cheese. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and bake and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing it to a simmer.
- Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low, then add the mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 40g