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