Banana Pepper Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
This Banana Pepper Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, flavorful casserole combining tender chicken, pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, enhanced with the tangy zest of banana peppers and melted cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, it bakes to golden, bubbly perfection and is garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup banana peppers, sliced (mild or hot, to taste)
For Sautéing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Cook Chicken with Seasonings: Add the cooked chicken breast to the skillet along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to combine.
- Add Sauce and Peppers: Pour in the Alfredo sauce and add the sliced banana peppers to the chicken mixture. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes so the sauce melds with the peppers and chicken.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce and ingredients.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience or homemade sauce for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the quantity of banana peppers based on your heat preference; mild or hot varieties both work well.
- For extra texture, add some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold.
Keywords: Banana Pepper Chicken Alfredo Bake, chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken casserole, baked Alfredo pasta, cheesy chicken bake
