If you love a comforting, creamy pasta dish with a fun, edible presentation, you are going to absolutely adore this Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe. Imagine tender cubes of garlic-herb seasoned chicken nestled in a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, all served inside crispy, golden garlic butter-coated bread bowls. This dish is not just delicious but also interactive and hearty, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy. The magic lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients coming together to transform everyday favorites into a memorable, cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From succulent chicken to rich Alfredo sauce and perfectly toasted bread bowls, these staples come together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes much more gourmet than the effort it takes to prepare.
- Chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice): Serves as the hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Kaiser rolls: Hollowed out to create the bread bowls that hold all the goodness, adding a satisfying crunch.
- Alfredo sauce (jarred, about 15 oz): Creamy and cheesy, it is the star that makes the dish indulgently rich.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Key for making the garlic butter that toasts the bread bowls beautifully.
- Garlic and herb seasoning: Infuses the chicken and bread with vibrant, savory flavor.
- Shredded parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty topping that melts perfectly over the pasta.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and pepper: Important for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and fresh herbal note as garnish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick if you like a little heat.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning cubed chicken breasts with garlic and herb seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken cubes. Sauté them for about 6 to 8 minutes until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. This step builds the savory base flavor that carries through the whole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta — penne or fettuccine works wonderfully here — and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread Bowls
Take your kaiser rolls and slice the tops off. Carefully hollow out the centers, leaving enough bread around the edges for a sturdy “bowl” that will hold the filling perfectly. These bread bowls will become delightfully crispy once toasted and filled.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter and Toast the Bowls
Mix your melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning for that irresistible aroma and flavor. Brush this mixture generously on the inside and edges of each hollowed roll. Place the prepared bread bowls on a baking sheet and pop them in a 375°F oven for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until they’re slightly toasted and golden. This step adds crunch and rich garlic flavor that makes the bread bowls truly special.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return to your pan with the cooked chicken; stir in the drained pasta and pour in the jar of Alfredo sauce. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with sauce and all those delicious juices from the chicken are incorporated. This creamy, cheesy combo is the heart of the Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Fill each toasted bread bowl with the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta mixture. Sprinkle shredded parmesan cheese generously over the top of each filled bowl. Place them back on the baking sheet and bake at 375°F for another 4 to 5 minutes. This melts the cheese to beautiful gooeyness and crisps up the bread edges, creating a perfect contrast of textures.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, add your favorite finishing touches like fresh parsley for a bright pop of green and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. These bread bowls are best served hot, so dive right in and savor every creamy, garlicky bite. This final step ensures the dish looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your dish’s appearance and flavor with simple garnishes. Fresh parsley adds lovely color and a hint of herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite inviting. Red pepper flakes provide a gentle spicy kick if you like a bit of heat, balancing the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Since these bread bowls are quite filling, consider pairing them with lighter sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well to refresh the palate. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make an excellent, nutritious complement without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the bread bowls on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra Parmesan cheese and chili flakes on the side. You can also sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper over the top for added visual appeal. A drizzle of pesto or fresh basil chiffonade offers a burst of vibrant color and flavor for an elevated presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from the Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the bread bowls and Alfredo pasta filling separate if possible to preserve the bread’s texture longer. Leftovers are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the Alfredo pasta mixture without the bread bowls. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Avoid freezing the bread bowls as they tend to become soggy on thawing.
Reheating
To reheat your Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls, warm the Alfredo pasta mixture slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For the bread bowls, re-toast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their crispiness before filling. Combining reheated pasta and bread bowl right before serving keeps the texture enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for the bowls?
Absolutely! While kaiser rolls are ideal due to their size and density, you can substitute with sturdy sourdough rolls, crusty round bread, or even small bowl-shaped loaves. Just make sure the bread can hold the filling without getting soggy too quickly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, or spinach to the Alfredo pasta mix. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarians.
Can I make homemade Alfredo sauce for this recipe?
Of course! Homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is delicious and adds a fresh touch. Using jarred Alfredo sauce is a convenient shortcut, but making it from scratch elevates the flavor even more.
How do I ensure the bread bowls don’t get soggy?
The key is brushing the bread bowls generously with garlic butter and toasting them before filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crispy when filled with the creamy pasta. Serving soon after assembly also helps maintain texture.
Can I prepare this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings needed, and ensure you have enough bread rolls to make bowls. Baking times may vary slightly with quantity, so keep an eye to get that perfect crispness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe truly brings together the comfort of creamy pasta and the fun of edible bowls in the best possible way. It’s a welcome change from ordinary dinners and an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish promises smiles and satisfied appetites with every luscious, garlicky bite. Give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls recipe combines tender garlic and herb-seasoned chicken with creamy Alfredo pasta, all served in toasted hollowed-out Kaiser rolls. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering, featuring crispy garlic butter bread bowls filled with rich, cheesy chicken Alfredo and topped with Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 6 Kaiser rolls (or more if needed)
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Butter Mixture
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 3–4 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic and herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the bread bowls: Slice the tops off the Kaiser rolls and carefully hollow out the centers to create bowl shapes, leaving enough bread to hold the filling.
- Make garlic butter: Combine the melted butter with garlic and herb seasoning. Using a brush, coat the inside and edges of the bread bowls generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake the bread bowls: Place the prepared bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted.
- Combine pasta and sauce: In the pan with the cooked chicken, add the drained pasta and jar of Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to fully coat the pasta with the sauce and incorporate the chicken evenly.
- Assemble the bowls: Spoon the creamy chicken Alfredo mixture into each toasted bread bowl. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese evenly on top of each filled bowl.
- Bake again: Return the filled bread bowls to the oven and bake for another 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread edges are crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot for a rich, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use any sturdy bread rolls suitable for hollowing out, like sourdough or ciabatta, if you can’t find Kaiser rolls.
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli to the Alfredo mixture.
- If preferred, use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of jarred for a fresher taste.
- Make sure not to overfill the bread bowls to prevent leakage while baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
