Hello, dear friends and fellow home-chefs! I’m excited to share with you a mouthwatering recipe that will warm your heart and bring joy to your dinner table. Picture a creamy and cheesy Alfredo sauce combined with the comforting goodness of a baked pasta dish. That’s what you get with this Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake!

The Ultimate Comfort Food

We all have those days when we crave a delicious and easy-to-make meal, especially on chilly evenings. This twist on the traditional Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect solution. The classic Fettuccine Alfredo, created by Alfredo di Lelio in Rome, has been transformed into a hearty and heartwarming dish that will please even the pickiest eaters.

The Perfect Pairings

This dish is wonderfully rich on its own, but I love serving it with a side of crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and some irresistible garlic bread. These accompaniments perfectly complement the creamy perfection of the pasta.

Let’s Get Cooking: Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake Recipe

Servings: Serves a family of 6

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 1 jar (15 oz) of your favorite Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  2. Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s just al dente. Drain well and return it to the pot.
  3. In the pot with the drained pasta, add the olive oil, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, milk, sour cream, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine all the deliciousness.
  4. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and then add a touch of color with the dried parsley flakes.
  5. Bake the dish uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown.
  6. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving – I know, it’s hard to wait, but it helps everything come together nicely.

Variations & Tips:

  • If you’re feeling adventurous, sauté some mushrooms or spinach and mix them into the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
  • For a delightful crunch, spread a seasoned breadcrumb and grated cheese mixture on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta and make sure your Alfredo sauce is also gluten-free.

Remember, there are no right or wrong choices in the kitchen, just lots of love and flavor. This Chicken Alfredo Penne Bake is guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table. Enjoy, my friends!

Bonus Recipe: Cherry Blossom Cookies

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If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a crowd-pleasing treat, why not try baking these delicious Cherry Blossom Cookies? With their delightful combination of Hershey kisses, cherries, and sugar, they are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why People Love This Cherry Blossom Recipe

There are many reasons why people rave about these cookies:

After baking these delightful cookies, it’s important to store them properly to keep them fresh. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose an airtight and moisture-proof container, such as plastic or Tupperware.
  2. Line the bottom of the container with a double layer of wax paper or parchment paper for added protection.
  3. Carefully arrange the cookies in the container, leaving at least an inch of space between each cookie.
  4. Seal the container securely to keep out any outside air or moisture.
  5. Store the container in a cool, dry place.

By following these storage tips, your Cherry Blossom Cookies can stay fresh for up to two weeks!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Blossom Cookies

What if my dough is sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, simply add more flour gradually until it reaches a consistency that can be easily worked with. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry, you can add a small amount of moisture until you achieve the desired texture.

What kind of extract should I use?

You can use almond, vanilla, or cherry extract in this recipe. While all three options work well, many people prefer the classic flavor of vanilla extract.

What are some tips to make these cookies even better?

  • Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent it from spreading too thin.
  • For a more vibrant pink color, consider using pink food coloring or pink sugar to roll the cookies.
  • The recipe calls for a generous amount of cherry juice, which ensures that the cookies are moist and flavorful.
  • These cookies have a vintage, shortbread-like taste that many people love.

Get Ready to Wow Your Loved Ones with Cherry Blossom Cookies

Whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular day, these Cherry Blossom Cookies are sure to please. Try out this recipe and prepare to be amazed by the delicious combination of cherries, kisses, and sugar.

  • Easy to make: If you enjoy baking but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, these cookies are perfect for you. They’re simple to prepare and don’t require a lot of time or effort.
  • Pretty to look at: Sometimes, you want to bake something that not only tastes great but also looks stunning. These Cherry Blossom Cookies fit the bill with their vibrant colors and attractive appearance.
  • Great for freezing: Need a cookie that you can make ahead of time and freeze for later? Look no further! These Cherry Blossom Cookies can be frozen without losing their deliciousness.

Ingredients Needed for a Cherry Blossom Cookie

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Confectioners sugar
  • Salt
  • Maraschino cherry juice liquid
  • Almond, vanilla, or cherry extracts
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chopped maraschino cherries
  • Granulated white sugar
  • Hershey Kisses