Cozy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake for Your Comfort Food Cravings

Enjoy this Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake that combines juicy chicken, crispy pancetta, and vibrant spinach for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 tbsp Vegetable Oil Can substitute with olive oil or butter.
40 g Plain Flour Cornstarch can serve as a gluten-free alternative.
220 ml Double Cream Can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead.
470 ml Whole Milk Opt for low-fat milk for a lighter version.
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard can work in a pinch.
100 g Cheddar Monterey Jack or Gruyère could be substituted.
65 g Parmesan Pecorino Romano works as a suitable alternative.

For the Pasta and Protein

500 g Conchiglie Pasta Penne or fusilli are good alternatives.
2 pieces Chicken Breasts Use cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
65 g Pancetta Can replace with bacon or omit for a lighter version.

For the Vegetables

1 piece Onion Shallots can be used for a sweeter flavor.
3 pieces Garlic Cloves Garlic powder could be a substitute.
200 g Spinach Kale can also be used.

Equipment

Large frying pan
large pot
Ovenproof dish

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large frying pan, heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
In the same pan, add chicken chunks seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for the last minute.
Sprinkle flour over onions and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add double cream and whole milk, whisking until smooth for 3-5 minutes.
Stir in Dijon mustard and grated cheddar into the sauce. Mix in cooked pasta, chicken, pancetta, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
Fold in spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Transfer the mixture into a greased ovenproof dish.
Preheat your oven to 190°C. Sprinkle parmesan over the top and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Always save some pasta water before draining; it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency. Let the dish cool before freezing to maintain texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!