Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake: Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food Recipe

White casserole dish with Chicken Alfredo Bake being dished out onto a plate.

Craving a dish that screams comfort food with every creamy, cheesy bite? Look no further than this incredible Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe. Inspired by classic, hearty home cooking, this bake takes the beloved chicken alfredo to a whole new level of deliciousness and convenience. Imagine tender pasta, succulent chicken, and a rich, homemade alfredo sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection with a generous blanket of mozzarella. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience – and it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for busy weeknights. If you’re a fan of Ree Drummond’s approachable and flavor-packed recipes, you’re going to absolutely adore this family-friendly casserole.

Why This Chicken Alfredo Bake is a Must-Try

We all know and love the creamy indulgence of chicken alfredo. But sometimes, you want something a little more substantial, a bit more comforting, and definitely freezer-friendly. That’s where this chicken alfredo bake shines. It’s inspired by the hearty, satisfying meals you’d expect from the Pioneer Woman herself – think big flavors, easy preparation, and crowd-pleasing results.

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about crafting a symphony of flavors and textures. We’re talking perfectly cooked pasta that’s al dente, juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor (grilled chicken is highly recommended!), and a creamy alfredo sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. And let’s not forget the melted mozzarella cheese, creating that irresistible gooeyness that makes every bite heavenly.

What sets this recipe apart is its make-ahead and freezer-friendly nature. Life gets busy, and having a delicious, home-cooked meal ready to go is a lifesaver. This Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake can be assembled in advance, stored in the fridge, or even frozen for weeks. Just imagine pulling out a ready-made dinner on a hectic evening – pure bliss!

Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you. While it might seem a bit lengthy at first glance, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the depth of flavor and perfect texture of this bake. You’ll likely find many of these staples already in your pantry and refrigerator.

Pasta: Penne rigate is recommended for its ridges that hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but feel free to use fettuccine, rotini, or your favorite pasta shape. The key is to cook it al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein. Grilled chicken is highly encouraged for a smoky, rich flavor dimension. Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken are excellent time-saving alternatives.
Butter: Real butter is essential for the richness and flavor of the alfredo sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: A secret ingredient for make-ahead success! A touch of flour helps stabilize the alfredo sauce, preventing it from separating when frozen and reheated. If you’re not freezing the bake, you can omit it, but for freezer meals, it’s your best friend.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using roasted garlic.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The heart of a truly decadent alfredo sauce. Don’t substitute with milk or half-and-half for the authentic creamy texture.
Seasonings: Garlic salt (optional but highly recommended for garlic lovers!), salt, and white pepper (black pepper works too) enhance the overall flavor profile without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty, and umami-rich depth to the sauce and the topping. Pre-shredded is convenient, but grating your own from a block is always a flavor upgrade.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides that classic melty, gooey cheese pull that everyone loves in a baked pasta dish.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and tanginess to the alfredo sauce, making it incredibly luscious. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley for garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the bake.

Chicken Alfredo Bake cooked in a rectangular white baking dish, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garnished with fresh green parsley.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake

Making this Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta according to package directions. Remember to cook it al dente – slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake, especially if you’re freezing it. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

This homemade alfredo sauce is what truly elevates this dish.

Melt the Butter and Make a Roux: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce and preventing separation, especially if you plan to freeze the bake.

Making homemade alfredo sauce for Chicken Alfredo Bake.

Add Flavor and Creaminess: Stir in the minced garlic, heavy whipping cream, garlic salt (if using), salt, white pepper, and one cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Simmer and Thicken: Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it burn or scorch on the bottom of the pan.
Melt in the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the mozzarella cheese and softened cream cheese to the sauce. Stir until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy and gooey.

3. Assemble the Chicken Alfredo Bake

Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken: Add the cooked and drained pasta back to the pot with the alfredo sauce. Add the cooked and diced chicken to the mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious alfredo sauce.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken alfredo mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

4. Freezing Instructions (Optional)

If you’re making this as a freezer meal, allow the assembled bake to cool completely before freezing.

Cool Completely: Cooling is essential to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming during freezing, which can affect the texture of the bake.
Wrap Tightly: Cover the baking dish tightly with a layer of cling wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pasta to minimize air exposure and prevent freezer burn. Then, cover with a layer of aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid.
Label and Freeze: Label the dish with the name, date, and baking instructions. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for optimal quality. Disposable aluminum pans are ideal for freezing and reheating.

5. Baking Instructions

Thaw (Recommended): For the best results, thaw the frozen Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Baking from thawed ensures even heating and prevents the top from browning too quickly while the center is still cold.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the thawed chicken alfredo bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the sauce is bubbly and heated through. If baking from frozen, you’ll need to increase the baking time to approximately 45-60 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Remove the baked Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this ultimate comfort food!

Overhead shot of baked Chicken Alfredo Bake ready for serving.

Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is crucial for the perfect texture in your bake. It will continue to cook in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for good quality butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for the richest flavor in your alfredo sauce.
Flavor Boost with Grilled Chicken: Grilling the chicken beforehand adds a smoky depth that elevates the entire dish.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the alfredo sauce before combining it with the pasta and chicken. Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic salt to your preference.
Gentle Reheating is Key: Alfredo sauce can be delicate when reheating. Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Avoid microwaving, which can cause the sauce to separate. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or cream while reheating.

Delicious Variations to Try

Want to put your own spin on this Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake? Here are some tasty variations to inspire you:

Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the minced garlic and garlic salt for an extra garlicky kick.
Shrimp Alfredo Bake: Substitute shrimp for chicken for a delightful seafood version. Consider using Cajun or Creole seasoned shrimp for added zest.
Chicken Broccoli and Bacon Alfredo Bake: Add steamed or roasted broccoli florets and crispy cooked bacon pieces to the pasta mixture for a veggie and bacon boost.
Tomato Basil Alfredo Bake: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Pesto Chicken Alfredo Bake: Swirl in pesto sauce into the alfredo for a vibrant, herby flavor. Cherry tomatoes would also be a great addition.
Spinach and Mushroom Alfredo Bake: Sauté spinach and sliced mushrooms and add them to the alfredo mixture for a veggie-packed bake.
Spicy Zesty Alfredo Bake: Add diced bell peppers, onions, and red pepper flakes for a zesty and slightly spicy version.

Angled shot of Chicken Alfredo Bake in a baking dish and garnished with fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Bake ahead of time and refrigerate it?

Yes, absolutely! Assemble the bake as directed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Bake after baking?

While it’s best to freeze it unbaked, you can freeze baked leftovers. However, the texture of the pasta and sauce might be slightly altered after freezing and reheating.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with fettuccine, rotini, rigatoni, bowtie pasta, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.

Can I add vegetables to this bake?

Yes, adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and peas are all excellent choices. Blanch or sauté them lightly before adding them to the bake.

What are some other herbs and spices I can add?

Besides garlic, try incorporating fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. For spices, onion powder, paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg can add depth of flavor.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Course: Main Course, Casserole

Cuisine: American

Keywords: pioneer woman chicken alfredo bake, chicken alfredo bake, alfredo bake, chicken casserole, freezer meal, make ahead meal, comfort food

Description: This Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate creamy comfort food, perfect for family dinners and make-ahead meals. Featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. Freezer-friendly and easy to customize!

Print Recipe Save Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients:

16 ounces penne rigate pasta
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for freezer meals)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
2-3 cooked chicken breasts, diced (grilled recommended)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Add garlic, heavy cream, garlic salt (if using), salt, pepper, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and smooth.
Simmer sauce for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
Stir in mozzarella and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt to taste, if needed.
Add cooked pasta and diced chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
To freeze: Let cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, label, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
To bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes (or 45-60 minutes if baking from frozen), until top is lightly browned and sauce is bubbly.
Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Recipe Notes:

For extra flavor, use grilled chicken.
Increase garlic and garlic salt for a more intense garlic flavor.
If not freezing, you can omit the flour in the sauce.
Adjust seasonings to your preference.

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):

Calories: 956kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 68g
Saturated Fat: 41g
Cholesterol: 239mg
Sodium: 1196mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on social media! We love to see your creations. #pioneerwomanchickenalfredobake #chickenalfredobake #comfortfood #freezermeals

Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this delicious Pioneer Woman Chicken Alfredo Bake! It’s a guaranteed family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion.