Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe for Comforting Dinners

Whipping up a delightful chicken Alfredo casserole promises pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Creamy sauce and tender pasta create an irresistible combination that melts hearts instantly.

Generous layers of succulent chicken intermingle with rich, velvety cheese throughout each bite.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients dance together, bringing warmth to your dining table.

Weeknight dinners never looked so inviting with this simple yet elegant dish.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely adore every single forkful.

You can’t resist diving into this crowd-pleasing meal that guarantees smiles all around.

Characteristics of Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a creamy, cheesy chicken pasta bake that hugs your taste buds with classic Italian-inspired flavors. Perfect for satisfying those hearty meal cravings.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Combine pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and ready-made Alfredo sauce for a stress-free dinner solution that comes together in just a few steps. No complicated techniques required.
  • Family-Pleasing Meal: Kids and adults alike will love this crowd-pleasing dish packed with melted cheese, tender chicken, and rich sauce. Guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.
  • Versatile Meal Prep Champion: Easily make ahead and refrigerate before baking, or freeze for future quick meals. Great for busy families needing convenient, delicious dinner options.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Soft, comforting base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides texture to the dish.
Cheese Blend:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty, rich cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping and add creamy depth to the casserole.
Sauce:
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, rich sauce that binds the ingredients together and provides a luxurious flavor profile.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and complement the creamy sauce.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevents sticking in the skillet.

How to Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet and toss in your cooked chicken. Sprinkle with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken with those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

Combine your freshly cooked pasta with the rich Alfredo sauce, seasoned chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to ensure every bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 4: Prepare the Casserole

Grab a casserole dish and give it a quick spray or brush with oil. Pour in your creamy pasta mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your homemade comfort food!

Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to help create a smoother, silkier sauce consistency if the mixture seems dry.
  • Check cheese browning midway through baking and cover with foil if top browns too quickly to prevent burning.

Flavor Twists on Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for added texture.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Italian-Inspired Twist: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes to add a pop of color and extra flavor that elevates the classic comfort dish.
  • Potluck Superstar: Pack this crowd-pleasing casserole in a portable dish for gatherings, knowing it travels well and tastes delicious at room temperature.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Shred or chop the chicken and use it as a quick protein option.

  • Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem. You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or simply use dried herbs you have on hand.

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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken alfredo casserole promises comfort and indulgence for pasta enthusiasts seeking a delightful meal. Creamy layers of tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles create a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
  • 2 cups Alfredo sauce

Cheese:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and cook pasta until al dente according to package guidelines.
  2. In a hot skillet, warm olive oil and sauté cooked chicken pieces, incorporating garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  3. Create the casserole base by thoroughly combining pasta, Alfredo sauce, seasoned chicken, and half of the mozzarella cheese in a mixing bowl.
  4. Generously grease a casserole dish and carefully transfer the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden-brown crust.
  7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a low-carb version perfect for keto dieters.
  • Enhance protein content by adding grilled shrimp or sautĂ©ed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor complexity.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly during busy weeknights, making meal planning a breeze.
  • Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving hack that adds incredible moisture and pre-seasoned flavor to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 474 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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