Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

If you love creamy, crave-worthy comfort food, you’re about to fall head over heels for this Chicken Alfredo Casserole! Imagine everything you adore about classic Alfredo—tender chicken, luscious sauce, gooey cheese—tucked into a bubbling, family-style bake that’s guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy hungry appetites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick tour of what makes this Chicken Alfredo Casserole so irresistible! Each ingredient plays a delicious role—think velvety cheeses, tender chicken, and al dente pasta—coming together to create pure, cozy magic in every bite.

• Penne Pasta: Its ridges catch every drop of sauce and it holds up beautifully during baking for the perfect bite.
• Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness to the chicken and keeps everything tender and savory.
• Chicken Breasts: Cubed chicken soaks up the Alfredo flavors and delivers satisfying protein.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the overall dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Store-bought jars make prep easy, but you can always use homemade if you like! This is the creamy base that ties it all together.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and body to your sauce, making every bite impossibly smooth and decadent.
• Whole Milk: Thins the sauce just enough for that silky texture—no dry casserole allowed!
• Garlic: Freshly minced for a savory, aromatic depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs that infuses every layer with cozy, comforting notes.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The perfect melty topping and gooey layer within—don’t hold back!
• Parmesan Cheese: For bold, nutty tang in the sauce and on top; a true Alfredo essential.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish.

Variations

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole loves to flex! Feel free to make it your own—swap in veggies, play with cheese, or give it a healthful twist with easy ingredient changes. The possibilities are endless and oh-so-delicious.

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms for colorful, nutritious add-ins.
• Protein Power: Substitute cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even Italian sausage for a tasty twist.
• Lightened Up: Use light cream cheese, lower-fat Alfredo, or swap whole milk for 2% if you want to go a little lighter.
• Gluten-Free Makeover: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this casserole celiac-friendly!

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta just until al dente—this means the noodles should be firm to the bite, since they’ll soak up even more flavor as they bake. Drain well, and set aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add your cubed chicken, sprinkle generously with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through—stirring now and then for even browning. Set the finished chicken aside and get ready for the creamy action!

Step 3: Mix Up the Alfredo Sauce

Combine Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until you’ve got a smooth, irresistible sauce—don’t be afraid to use a whisk if needed to ensure the cream cheese blends in nicely.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add in the cooked penne and chicken, stirring until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. Next, fold in half the mozzarella and half the parmesan for pockets of gooey, melty cheese all the way through.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, then shower the top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. For a little extra color, give it a few minutes under the broiler—just keep an eye out!

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (or dried if that’s what you have) to brighten everything up. Serve warm and get ready for rave reviews at the dinner table!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of parsley is classic, adding a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. For a punch of flavor, try a dusting of extra parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully for some gentle heat!

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with garlic bread (for scooping up every drop of sauce), a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or even steamed broccoli to round out the meal with a pop of green.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation, or create a “bake your own” bar with dishes of extra toppings—think sautéed veggies, crispy bacon bits, or sun-dried tomatoes—let everyone dress up their Chicken Alfredo Casserole just the way they like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Casserole keeps beautifully! Simply cover and store in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce tends to become even creamier after a night in the fridge, making leftovers a delicious treat.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before or after baking—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. I recommend assembling, covering, and freezing before baking for best texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems thick. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works, but low and slow is best for keeping the sauce creamy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for your next family favorite, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole is sure to hit the spot. It’s cozy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—give it a try and watch it disappear in no time!

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