Description
This Chicken Alfredo Bake with Penne Pasta is a creamy and comforting one-dish meal featuring tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made with plant-based cheese and smoked turkey bacon. Easy to prepare and full of smoky, savory flavors, it bakes into a bubbly, golden casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta and chicken: Boil the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate pan, cook and shred the chicken breasts, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, then keep warm.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon and aromatics: In a large skillet, sauté the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and soft to create a flavorful base.
- Make the creamy Alfredo sauce: Add plant-based butter to the skillet and stir until melted. Pour in the plant-based heavy cream, then slowly whisk in the plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce evenly. Finish by seasoning with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir frequently on low heat.
- Combine chicken, pasta, and sauce: In a large bowl or the skillet, gently fold the cooked penne pasta and shredded chicken into the creamy Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Bake until bubbly and golden: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra plant-based cheese on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken for better sauce absorption and tenderness.
- Do not overcook pasta; undercook slightly since it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Stir the sauce constantly on low heat for a smooth, thickened texture.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp for added crunch.
- Add fresh parsley or basil on top just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, penne pasta bake, plant-based cheese recipe, creamy pasta casserole, smoked turkey bacon pasta
