Treat yourself to this Paprika Chicken Alfredo Bake, an irresistible dish that’s perfect for casual get-togethers! Serve it alongside a fresh salad and some warm, crunchy bread for a complete meal. Featuring ziti pasta, juicy chicken, and a velvety homemade alfredo sauce, this cheesy bake is sure to be a family favorite any night of the week.
Paprika Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Chicken Alfredo Bake is the ultimate combination of comfort and flavor! With a rich, creamy alfredo sauce and a smoky kick of paprika, it’s a delightful twist on the classic alfredo pasta dish. We’ve used ziti pasta for this recipe, but feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand—this dish is versatile! For the best results, I always recommend using high-quality pasta, and my favorite brand is Delallo for its amazing texture and taste.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to assemble, then just pop it in the oven for a hassle-free meal.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests—just add a side salad and some hot, crusty bread!
- You can customize the flavor by choosing your favorite paprika—whether you prefer smoked, spicy, or classic.
- It’s also an ideal dish for potlucks, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Gather These Ingredients
. Ziti pasta – I love using DeLallo brand, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
. Cooked chicken breasts – Perfectly tender and ready to go.
. Olive oil + garlic – For a flavorful base.
. Flour – To thicken the sauce.
. Chicken broth – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
. Milk – I prefer low-fat, but you can use any type you like.
. Parmesan cheese – For that irresistible cheesy goodness.
. Salt + pepper – To season perfectly.
. Smoked paprika – For a delicious smoky kick.
. Green onions or fresh basil – To add a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Paprika Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Drain and return it to the pot.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make the roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 3 minutes, until thickened. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat. Add the cooked chicken and mix everything well.
- Assemble: Transfer the pasta mixture into a prepared (greased) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Top with chopped green onions or fresh basil for a fresh, flavorful finish.
Tips and Substitutions
- Cook pasta al dente: This usually means about 1 minute less than the package directions. You want the pasta to have a slight bite—mushy pasta won’t hold up well in this dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, grab a rotisserie chicken, or you can bake chicken breasts for a homemade option.
- Swap the pasta: If ziti isn’t your favorite, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand—penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle work great.
- Adjust paprika to taste: You can leave out the paprika for a more traditional alfredo flavor, but be sure to season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stovetop or baked: For a quicker version, serve it right from the stovetop. If you prefer extra cheesiness, bake it in the oven for a gooey, golden finish.
How Do You Serve an Alfredo Pasta Bake?
This Alfredo Pasta Bake is best served hot, fresh out of the oven! Pair it with a Spinach Cobb Salad for a refreshing balance and some warm, buttery Potato Cheese Bread for a complete meal. It’s perfect for a casual potluck, yet elegant enough to serve when you have guests over. And don’t forget to end on a sweet note—Apple Crisp makes the perfect dessert to round off the meal!
Paprika Chicken Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
Ingredients :
.16 ounces ziti pasta, I use DeLallo brand
.2-3 cups cooked chicken breasts, thinly sliced or rotisserie (shredded or chopped)
.1 Tbsp. olive oil
.4-6 cloves garlic, minced
.4 Tbsp. flour
.1 cup chicken broth
.1 ½ cups low-fat milk, I used 1%
.1 ½ cups freshly-grated Parmesan cheese, divided
.½ tsp. salt
.½ tsp. black pepper
.2 tsp. smoked paprika
.Green onions or fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Instructions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2.Cook the pasta al dente, according to package
directions. Drain and place back into the the pot.
3.In a medium saucepan,
heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, stirring
frequently, until golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
4.Whisk in the flour until smooth,
about 2 minutes. Gradually
whisk in the chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper and
smoked paprika. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Lower
the heat and simmer, stirring gently, until the mixture thickens
for another 3 minutes. Add 1 cup Parmesan cheese; mix well.
5.Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss; add the chicken and
mix well. Spread the pasta mixture in a prepared (greased)
baking pan, and top with ½ cup more Parmesan cheese.
6.Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and just
barely starts to turn golden. Garnish with green onions or
chopped fresh basil; serve.