Banana Pepper Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Banana Pepper Chicken Alfredo Bake combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, cheesy Alfredo sauce, and tangy banana peppers for a comforting and easy dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Sauce and Cheese
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasoning
- ½ cup banana peppers, sliced (mild or hot, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Banana Peppers: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sliced banana peppers and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften the peppers and develop flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, sautéed garlic and banana peppers, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken as a quick shortcut.
- For extra spice, use hot banana peppers.
- Homemade Alfredo sauce can enhance flavor but store-bought works well for convenience.
- Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese profile.
- Let the bake rest 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
