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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
- Prepare pasta in boiling water until tender, following package guidelines; carefully drain excess water.
- 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.
- Gently transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Generously sprinkle a luxurious layer of shredded mozzarella and aged Parmesan cheese across the entire surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes to set the creamy texture.
- 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