Easy Baked Chicken Bacon Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Some days call for a warm, comforting meal, and this baked chicken bacon Alfredo casserole delivers. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with tender pasta, savory chicken, and crispy bacon in a rich Alfredo sauce. Despite its indulgent flavor, it’s simple to make—perfect for busy cooks or beginners. You can use leftover chicken, the sauce comes together quickly, and the whole dish bakes into a satisfying, cozy dinner. Read through the steps first, then cook at your own pace and enjoy the process.

Ingredients Needed

The following amounts create a generous casserole that serves about six people.

For the casserole

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into small bite-sized pieces
• 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, if needed)

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until it reaches a slightly firm texture. Do not cook it fully because it will continue to soften as it bakes later. When the pasta is ready drain it well. You can drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta to keep it from sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Prepare the chicken

If you already have cooked chicken, you can skip this step. Otherwise, heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat, cook the chicken until fully done and lightly golden, and season it with a bit of salt. Transfer it to a plate to cool slightly. The chicken doesn’t need strong seasoning because the Alfredo sauce will provide plenty of richness.

Cook the bacon

Place the bacon in a skillet and cook it slowly until it becomes crisp and golden. Remove it and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. When it has cooled chop it into small pieces. The bacon adds a wonderful salty crunch that blends with the creamy sauce in a delightful way.

Make the Alfredo sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan, cook the garlic for a minute, then add the cream and warm it until lightly bubbling. Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce thickens, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and mix until smooth and creamy.

Combine everything

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a casserole dish. In a bowl, mix the cooked pasta, chicken, bacon, and half the mozzarella, then pour in the warm Alfredo sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer the mixture to the dish, spread it evenly, and top with the remaining mozzarella for a bubbly, cheesy finish.

Bake the casserole

Bake the casserole for about twenty minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Leave it a few extra minutes if you want a deeper color. Remove from the oven and let it rest for five minutes so the sauce settles and the slices hold together.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This casserole is easy to customize add cooked veggies like broccoli, spinach, peas, or mushrooms; swap in cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or white cheddar; or lighten it with half-and-half. For heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or jalapeños. You can also use any pasta shape you prefer, and boost smokiness with smoked bacon or a hint of smoked paprika.

Nutritional Information

This casserole contains about 670 calories per serving, with roughly 35g of protein, 39g of fat, 47g of carbohydrates, and around 1,000mg of sodium. It’s a rich, hearty dish, so you can lighten it by using less cheese or serving smaller portions with fresh vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs well with light, refreshing sides. A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus balance the rich flavors. Add fresh herbs such as parsley or basil on top for brightness. Serve it family-style to keep the meal warm, cozy, and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions