Air Fryer Chicken Alfredo Bake
Why this recipe works
- Creamy sauce: Whole milk, double cream and Parmesan create a rich Alfredo-style coating that clings well to the penne.
- Hearty finish: Chicken thighs, pasta and a melted cheese topping make this a filling, family-style dinner.
- Fast bake: The air fryer heats the assembled pasta bake quickly, giving a bubbling centre and golden top without a long oven time.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the pasta firm: Drain the penne while it is still slightly underdone, as it will continue to soften once mixed with the sauce and air fried.
- Protect the sauce: Keep the dairy at a gentle simmer before adding the Parmesan; high heat can make the sauce split or turn grainy.
- Improve the topping: Use low-moisture mozzarella if you want a more deeply golden top with less excess moisture.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken thighs work well: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay tender and savoury in the creamy bake, even after the final air-fryer stage.
- Use good Parmesan: Parmesan is central to the sauce, so a well-flavoured cheese gives a better savoury finish than a very mild alternative.
- Nutmeg adds depth: A small amount of ground nutmeg rounds out the cream sauce without making it taste sweet.
Make-ahead tips
- Good for portions: Cool leftovers completely, then store in sealed containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week.
- Freeze cooked portions: Freeze after baking, then defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating until piping hot.
- Reheat gently: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F), checking that the centre is fully hot before serving.
Serving ideas
- Add something fresh: Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli or garlicky greens to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Finish simply: A little extra black pepper or finely chopped parsley adds freshness without competing with the creamy Alfredo flavour.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente. Drain well in a colander. Set aside while you make the sauce.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Melt half the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the remaining butter to the pan, then cook the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the whole milk and double cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in most of the parmesan (reserve a small handful for the top), then season with black pepper, fine sea salt and ground nutmeg.
- Stir the cooked chicken and penne into the sauce until everything is evenly coated. Tip into an air fryer-safe baking dish and top with the mozzarella, then the reserved parmesan. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 10 to 12 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Slightly undercook the penne so it finishes perfectly tender after air frying, rather than turning soft.
- Keep the Alfredo sauce at a gentle simmer when adding the parmesan so it melts smoothly without splitting.
Substitutions
- Replace penne with rigatoni for a chunkier pasta bake that holds the sauce well.
- Replace mozzarella with low-moisture mozzarella for a more deeply golden, less watery topping.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Freeze portions for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for 8 to 12 minutes until piping hot.
Ratings & reviews
Liked this recipe? Share your feedback to support our cooking community.
Tried this recipe?
Choose 1–5 stars. A comment is optional.
Stay inspired
Discover new recipes, seasonal favourites and cooking inspiration every day. Follow JustRecipes on Pinterest and Spillt.
Recipe overview
- Servings: 3 servings
- Total time: 40min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Gluten Milk Wheat
Plan your meals and get a complete grocery list automatically.
Add to meal plannerGot ingredients left?
Find recipes using ingredients from this recipe or what you already have at home.
Find recipes with these ingredients →
Yiouvetsi (Greek Lamb with Orzo in Tomato and Red Wine)
Greek lamb yiouvetsi with orzo in tomato and red wine
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Baked beef meatloaf with ketchup glaze and mash
Finnish Sausage and Potato Casserole (Makkaralaatikko)
Baked Finnish potato and sausage casserole set with egg
Tuna Casserole (Baked Pasta with Mushrooms and Breadcrumbs)
Baked tuna pasta casserole with mushrooms and crisp breadcrumbs
Scottish Shepherd’s Pie (Minced Lamb and Mashed Potato Bake)
Shepherd’s pie with minced lamb and creamy mash
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina (Baked Gnocchi with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella)
Baked gnocchi in tomato and basil with mozzarella topping
Revithada (Greek Slow Cooked Chickpea Stew with Tomato and Lemon)
Slow cooked Greek chickpea stew with tomato and lemon
Manakish Board (Za’atar Flatbreads with Feta, Cucumber and Olives)
Warm manakish with za’atar, feta, cucumber, tomato and olives
Blanquette de Veau (Creamy French Veal Stew)
Creamy veal stew with mushrooms, carrots and a velvety sauce
Bandeja Paisa (Colombian Platter with Beans, Rice and Pork Belly)
Colombian platter with beans, rice, pork belly, egg and plantain
Pissaladière Niçoise (Onion and Anchovy Tart)
Onion tart topped with anchovies and black olives
Unagi Kabayaki (Grilled Eel with Sweet Soy Sauce)
Grilled eel with sweet soy sauce served over rice
Gratin Dauphinois Traditionnel (Creamy Potato Gratin)
Creamy French potato gratin with garlic and nutmeg
Crespelle alla Fiorentina (Spinach and Ricotta Crêpes)
Spinach and ricotta crêpes baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella
Gratin de Légumes (French Potato and Leek Gratin)
Potato and leek gratin with cream, garlic and Gruyère
Flødekartofler (Danish Creamed Potatoes)
Danish creamed potatoes baked with garlic and nutmeg
Gratin Dauphinois with Roast Lamb
Creamy potato gratin served with rosemary roast lamb
Pasta alla Vodka (Tomato, Vodka and Cream Sauce with Pancetta)
Penne with pancetta in a tomato, vodka and cream sauce
You might also like
Thai Lime Soda (Nam Manao Soda)
Fizzy Thai lime soda served over ice
Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad)
Turkish white bean salad with lemon dressing and sumac
Middle Eastern Lamb and Chickpea Stew
Slow-simmered lamb and chickpea stew in a spiced tomato sauce
Mexican-Inspired Bibimbap Bowl with Spiced Beef and Fried Egg
Rice bowl with spiced beef, black beans, avocado and fried egg
Baked Cod with Parsley Sauce and Buttered Leeks
Flaky baked cod with warm parsley sauce and buttered leeks
Miso Roasted Cauliflower with Sesame and Spring Onion
Roasted cauliflower glazed with miso, sesame oil and spring onion
Make this recipe easier next time
AdvertisementThese tools help you get better results with less effort.
WMF Mini Saucepan 16 cm with Lid
- High-quality stainless steel
- Even heat distribution
- Higher price point
T-fal Specialty Nonstick Handy Pot with Glass Lid 3 Quart
- Easy food release
- Dishwasher safe
- Not induction compatible
All-Clad Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Saucepan
- Excellent heat control
- Premium build quality
- Expensive
Enjoy cooking with JustRecipes?
Add JustRecipes as one of your preferred Google sources to discover our recipes more easily across Google Search.
Add JustRecipes to GoogleEvery recipe on JustRecipes follows the same structured editorial process. Learn how recipes are created, validated, translated, illustrated, and continuously improved across the platform. How we create recipes.
