Name: Chicken & Asparagus Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and cubed chicken; 1-2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups 1% milk (or ¼ cup heavy cream + 1 ¼ cups milk for richness); ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; Zest from 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use (Cabot or Tillamook vegetarian rennet); 6-8 slices turkey or beef bacon, cooked and crumbled

Description

Chicken & Asparagus Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and bowtie pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce. With added turkey bacon and cheese alternatives, this bake is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked and cubed chicken

1-2 pounds asparagus, tough ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound bowtie (farfalle) pasta

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups 1% milk (or ¼ cup heavy cream + 1 ¼ cups milk for richness)

¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth

Zest from 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use (Cabot or Tillamook vegetarian rennet)

6-8 slices turkey or beef bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse with cool water.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds while stirring.

4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until toasty and slightly golden.

5. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, ½ cup at a time, until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan alternatives. Stir until cheese melts completely.

7. Combine pasta, chicken, and asparagus in a large bowl or baking dish. Pour sauce over and toss lightly to coat.

8. Sprinkle crumbled turkey or beef bacon on top along with additional Parmesan alternatives.

9. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until sauce is bubbling and top is lightly golden.

10. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or lemon zest.

Notes

Chicken: Use flavorful rotisserie chicken or quickly pan-cooked chicken seasoned well.

Milk: 1% milk works best, or substitute part with heavy cream for richness.

Vegetables: Broccoli can be used if asparagus is unavailable.

Serving: Best served immediately. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American