If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish that brings family and friends together, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, dreamy Alfredo sauce baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection, every bite is a warm hug on a plate. This dish elevates traditional Alfredo by turning it into an irresistible casserole that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you on the path to creating a beautifully balanced casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color, making this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe truly shine.
- 16 ounce box penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully while providing a hearty base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps cook the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cups cubed chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy, giving the dish satisfying substance.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances every flavor element, making the dish pop.
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce: Provides the rich, creamy foundation that defines this casserole.
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Adds an extra velvety smooth texture and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the sauce slightly while maintaining creaminess.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant aroma and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers that quintessential herby note that ties the dish together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sauce perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, comforting heat.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts into a gooey topping and blends beautifully inside.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Delivers that nutty, sharp finish on top and in the mix.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to the final presentation.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and generously spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This sets the stage for your casserole to come together smoothly without sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—firm but tender. Drain it well to avoid a soggy casserole and set it aside for later mixing with the sauce and chicken.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the cubed chicken breasts, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they’re golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from heat and set it aside.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy, building layers of flavor.
Step 5: Mix Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the creamy sauce, folding until every piece is beautifully coated. Then, stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan to infuse the mixture with gooey, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top for that irresistible golden crust. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy
Once baked, sprinkle with chopped fresh or dried parsley to add a fresh touch of color and flavor. Serve this creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe hot for the ultimate comforting meal.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even some cracked black pepper on top not only brightens the dish but also adds a lovely contrast to that rich creaminess. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want to bring a little heat to every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus to add freshness and balance out the indulgence. A crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are fantastic options to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer it with some sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to surprise your guests with delightful variations on this beloved Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, preserving all the cheesy richness and tender chicken you love.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly or transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without any loss in texture or flavor, making it perfect for meal planning or last-minute meals.
Reheating
To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge (if frozen) and warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes to maintain hearty texture and flavor in the Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole a day before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
While cream cheese lends extra creaminess, you can substitute with an equal amount of mascarpone or even ricotta cheese. The texture will be just as luscious, though mascarpone offers a slightly sweeter note.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll see the cheese bubbling vigorously around the edges, and the top will have a golden, slightly browned crust. This is the perfect signal that your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is a true culinary comfort, blending creamy richness with hearty textures that never fail to please a crowd. It’s easy to make, wonderfully versatile, and packed with flavors that invite you to savor every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing this delicious joy with everyone at your table.
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Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Casserole features tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce combined with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner that comes together easily and satisfies everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 16 ounce box penne pasta
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cubed chicken breasts
- salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Toppings
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken pieces to the sauce mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Then mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake: Bake the casserole covered with foil for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh or dried parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other types such as rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheeses.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered overnight; bake when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.
