Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting a mouthwatering chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.

Weeknight meals demand something special that doesn’t consume hours of preparation.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal kitchen effort.

Rich parmesan and smooth sauce create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Cheese enthusiasts and pasta fanatics find pure satisfaction in every single bite.

This incredible recipe promises to become your new go-to meal that sparks smiles around the dinner table.

Why Chicken Alfredo Casserole Is Rich, Creamy Perfection

  • Dive into Comfort: A soul-warming dish that wraps you in creamy, cheesy goodness perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that satisfies both kids and adults, with rich flavors and classic ingredients everyone loves.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Comes together quickly with pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples, delivering a delicious meal without extensive cooking time.

The Must-Have Ingredients For Alfredo Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken that serves as the primary protein for the casserole.
Pasta Base:
  • Penne Pasta: Tube-shaped pasta that provides the hearty foundation for the casserole.
Cheese and Creamy Components:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Cheeses that add rich, melty texture and deep flavor to the dish.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that binds the ingredients together with a luxurious consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and smoothness to the casserole.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish.

How To Build Chicken Alfredo Casserole The Right Way

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting ready for a cheesy pasta adventure.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook penne pasta in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Creamy Alfredo sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend all ingredients until they become a luxurious, smooth concoction.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked penne into the creamy chicken mixture, ensuring every pasta piece gets a perfect coating of deliciousness.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the entire pasta and chicken blend.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a golden, bubbly top that screams comfort food.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your ultimate comfort meal!

Casserole Tips For That Creamy Finish

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole. Experiment with different pasta shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni for variety. Keep the dish creamy by avoiding overcooking, which can dry out the sauce. Lighten up the recipe by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and choosing low-fat cheese options. Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.

Alfredo Variations To Mix It Up

  • Seafood Symphony: Replace chicken with a medley of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an oceanic version of the casserole.
  • Vegetarian Comfort: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest Blend: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap some Parmesan with pepper jack cheese to create a zesty regional spin.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired transformation of the classic recipe.

Pairings That Love Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Savor the Perfect Pairings for Chicken Alfredo Casserole
  • – Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy richness and refresh your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • – Fresh Green Balance: Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a zesty contrast and provide a crisp counterpoint to the heavy, creamy casserole.
  • – Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Complement the dish with roasted asparagus or broccoli tossed in olive oil and garlic, which adds nutritional depth and introduces a subtle vegetable earthiness to balance the pasta's decadence.

How To Store Alfredo Casserole Without Drying It Out

  • Refrigerator Storage: Place leftover casserole in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
  • Freezer Storage: Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy top.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole FAQs In One Spot

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing the casserole.

  • Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

  • What can I substitute for heavy cream if I don't have it?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as an alternative, though the sauce might be slightly less rich.

  • Can I freeze this Chicken Alfredo Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months.

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Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Cheesy pasta layers packed with tender chicken promise a hearty meal that delights families and satisfies hungry appetites.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 3 cups chicken, shredded or cubed

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350°F, preparing a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for the casserole.
  2. Cook penne pasta until al dente, ensuring noodles are tender but firm, then thoroughly drain.
  3. Shred or cube cooked chicken meat into bite-sized pieces for consistent texture throughout the dish.
  4. Blend Alfredo sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a rich, creamy base for the casserole.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the cheese mixture, whisking until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy chicken and cheese mixture, ensuring every noodle is evenly coated.
  7. Carefully spread the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, distributing ingredients uniformly.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling surface that indicates the casserole is heated through.
  9. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven to help set the creamy texture.
  10. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

  • Add extra seasoning like Italian herbs or red pepper flakes to boost the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that adds more depth and saves significant cooking time.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked before mixing with sauce, as it will continue cooking in the oven and prevent potential mushiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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