Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe: Creamy Comfort In A Pan

Whipping up a delightful chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Creamy layers of pasta intertwine with tender chicken pieces in this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Cheese lovers will find themselves swooning over the rich, velvety sauce that blankets each delectable bite.

Weeknight meals can be both simple and sophisticated when you master this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Simple ingredients combine to create a magical meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Families and friends will gather around, eager to savor every single forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Dive in and let the deliciousness begin – your taste buds are about to embark on an unforgettable flavor journey!

Chicken Alfredo Casserole That Melts in Your Mouth

• Quick Family Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-dish wonder delivers delicious flavors that kids and adults will devour without complicated preparation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with leftover turkey, add vegetables like spinach or broccoli, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Crowd-Friendly Meal: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual dinner parties where you want a hearty dish that impresses without stressing you out.

Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded chicken provides a hearty protein base for the casserole.

• Pasta: Classic base that adds texture and substance to the dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that brings rich flavor to the casserole.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce's richness and creates a smooth consistency.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty toppings that create a golden, crispy surface.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs that provide a traditional Italian taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh touch and visual appeal.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13 baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Pasta Party

Boil your pasta until it’s perfectly tender yet firm, then drain the water completely, letting those noodles rest and cool down.

Step 3: Mix Magic

• Cooked pasta
• Tender shredded chicken
• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Rich heavy cream
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning blend
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until each ingredient gets to know its delicious neighbors.

Step 4: Dish It Out

Pour the mouthwatering mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum tastiness.

Step 5: Cheese Blanket

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Cover the casserole like a warm, cheesy blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for that golden, bubbly cheese top that signals pure deliciousness.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot directly from the oven.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Add roasted garlic or sauté minced garlic before mixing for a richer, more intense taste profile.
• Reserve a small amount of pasta water to keep the casserole moist and creamy, helping blend ingredients smoothly.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over cheese for an extra crunchy texture and golden-brown finish.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Flavor Variations of Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the creamy chicken Alfredo flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Alfredo sauce and cheeses with cashew-based cream sauce and nutritional yeast, creating a plant-based friendly option for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice instead of regular pasta, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this comforting casserole.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers, adding nutritional variety while keeping the rich, creamy essence of the original recipe.

Serving Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Comfort Zone Companion: Pair this creamy casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for a balanced meal that cuts through the richness.
• Veggie Boost Buddy: Roast some broccoli florets or asparagus spears as a side dish to add color, nutrients, and a fresh crunch that complements the pasta's smoothness.
• Bread Basket Bliss: Serve warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls alongside to soak up extra Alfredo sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Wine Night Wonder: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, whose light, crisp notes will beautifully enhance the creamy chicken casserole.

Storing Chicken Alfredo Casserole Tips

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. 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 for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and adds delicious flavor to the casserole. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the pasta.

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

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative. For a richer option, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas to increase the nutritional value. Simply mix them into the pasta mixture before baking.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and pasta combine in a hearty dish perfect for family gatherings that satisfy deep hunger and warm hearts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken, shredded
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Prepare pasta in boiling water until tender, following package guidelines; carefully drain excess water.
3. Combine cooked pasta with tender shredded chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, velvety heavy cream, minced garlic, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Gently transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
5. Generously sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded mozzarella and aged Parmesan cheese across the entire surface.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
7. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes to set the creamy texture.
8. Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant finishing touch and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still delivers creamy, satisfying flavor.
• Reduce heavy cream by mixing half Greek yogurt to cut calories while maintaining rich texture.
• Add roasted vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color contrast.
• Make ahead and refrigerate assembled casserole for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for meal prep enthusiasts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg