Christmas chaos in the kitchen? You’re not alone. The tree is twinkling, the oven is humming, and you’re juggling a dozen dish numbers like a circus clown with a hot pan.
This Christmas Chicken Alfredo Bake slides in like a cozy hug—no one argued with a pan this week.
Silky sauce, juicy chicken, and a bubbly, golden crust—all in one dish that feeds a crowd and your sanity.
Grab a spoon, a giggle, and let’s bake something magical together.
Contents
Equipment
Must-haves
- 9×13 baking dish (or any casserole dish big enough to cradle alfredo dreams)
- Large pot for the pasta
- Saucepan or skillet for the creamy base
- Whisk (the hero of smooth sauce)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts (you’re going to need them, hero)
Nice-to-haves
- Meat thermometer (because guessing is when the drama starts)
- Fine grater or microplane for fresh parmesan and garlic
- Kitchen tongs (for dramatic swoops when tossing pasta)
- Optional: garlic press for mega garlicky goodness
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but it’s the holiday secret)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or spinach for color
- Optional: pinch red pepper flakes for a holiday kick
Note: Leftover roast chicken or turkey works beautifully here—the leftovers get a glow-up, not a reheat cycle.
That’s why this bake is so versatile: creamy, cheesy, and forgiving enough for holiday chaos.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds—don’t let it brown, or it starts acting like a burnt-taster.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking as you go. Stir in parmesan and nutmeg, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce thicken a bit, like a cozy blanket on a winter night.
- Fold in the shredded chicken (and peas or spinach if using). Heat through so the filling isn’t cold in the middle—nobody likes fridge vibes in a hot dish.
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, then fold in half of the mozzarella. The goal is creamy, not soup-spill city.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, then scatter breadcrumbs for a crunchy crown. A little extra Parmesan never hurts.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden. If you like extra color, broil for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t disappear into a chip.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan. Slice and serve with a smile—and perhaps a tiny victory dance.
Good to Know
For a lighter pull, whisk in a splash of the pasta water to loosen the sauce after adding the cheese. That’s the magic trick that makes it silky without being gummy.
Want a make-ahead version? Assemble up to the baking step, refrigerate overnight, and bake a little longer the next day. That’s the holiday cheat code you deserve.
Tips
To keep sauce smooth, melt butter first and whisk in cream slowly. No clumps on your plate means you can avoid the “clump-tastrophe.”
Fresh parsley at the end looks festive and adds a pop of color. If you’re short on time, a sprinkle of dried parsley still does the job—just not as glowingly.
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms for umami and a forest-vibe.
- Use leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken for a Christmas-testival twist.
- Stretch with spinach or peas for color and a little green goodness.
- Make it gluten-free with pasta made from corn or chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread—the holy trinity of easy Christmas sides. A glass of sparkling water or white wine mirrors the festive mood and keeps cleanup friendly.
