Description
Chicken Alfredo Bake with Penne Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and smooth plant-based cheese in a luscious Alfredo sauce. This bake features perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce made with fresh garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain the pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy to add a smoky crunch.
- Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, combine plant-based milk, plant-based cheese, minced fresh garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Bake: In a large bowl, mix the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and Alfredo sauce. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle extra plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; leave it slightly firm to avoid a mushy bake.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley to enhance the flavors.
- Brown the chicken and smoked turkey bacon well for maximum flavor depth.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by gradually adding plant-based milk before baking.
- Allow the baked dish to rest slightly before serving for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, penne pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, dairy-free, gluten-free, comfort food