Chicken Alfredo Bake

Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

4 tbsp. butter, plus more for greasing baking dish

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp. all-purpose flour

3 c. half-and-half

1/2 c. freshly grated grated Parmesan

12 oz. cooked penne

1 c. shredded mozzarella

1/4 c. freshly chopped parsley

Preheat oven to 350° and butter a large baking dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Season both sides of chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until chicken is cooked through, 8 minutes per side. Remove chicken and wipe the skillet clean. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing crosswise.
Make sauce: Return skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Add garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook until the mixture is bubbling and golden, 1 minute more. Gradually pour in half-and-half, whisking constantly.
Bring mixture to a simmer and stir in Parmesan. Let simmer until the sauce thickens, 2 to 3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and alfredo sauce. Spread about half of the pasta mixture on the bottom of the baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with more mozzarella. Bake until bubbly and beginning to brown on top, about 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.