If you are craving a soul-satisfying meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This dish brings all the best elements of traditional Chicken Alfredo into a comforting casserole form, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping ahead. The luscious Alfredo sauce melds with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses to create an irresistibly rich texture, while the juicy chicken and pasta soak up every bit of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this cozy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe, the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role. From tender chicken to creamy Alfredo sauce and melty cheeses, every component contributes to the ultimate comfort food experience.
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and even distribution.
- 1 small red onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an aromatic kick that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
- 16 oz (450g) penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to its tubular shape.
- 15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce: The star element that lends the casserole its signature creamy richness.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: Melted mozzarella ensures the casserole is gooey and stringy in all the right places.
- ¼ cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly for the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure your cheesy masterpiece won’t stick when it’s time to dig in.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until they’re no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season them generously with salt and pepper for that perfect balance. Toss in the chopped red onion and minced garlic, sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. This step builds the foundational flavors that truly elevate the casserole.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While your chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—which means it should have a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain it well so the pasta can soak up the creamy sauce instead of turning soggy in excess water.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and vegetable mix with the drained pasta. Stir in the Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the ¼ cup of milk. This mixture becomes the creamy, cheesy heart of your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. Give everything a thorough mix so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the creamy chicken and pasta mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and 1 cup cheddar cheese all over the top. This cheese topping will melt and bubble, forming an irresistible golden crust during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled casserole in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn a light golden brown. This final baking step melds all the flavors together and adds beautiful texture contrast.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe cool for a few minutes before serving. This rest time helps the casserole set slightly for cleaner slices and better texture. Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh burst of color.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of this dish. You can also try a handful of crispy fried onions or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat contrast.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is hearty and creamy, it pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides such as a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. These options add texture and lighten the overall meal without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the dish for that cozy family-style vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins for a fancy presentation. It also works well spooned over a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens to add more greens on your plate in a delicious way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh up to 3 to 4 days, making it great for quick weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully if you want to prep meals ahead. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes or until hot throughout. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method preserves that nice bubbly cheese texture better.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne is great because it holds sauce well, but you can swap it out for rigatoni, rotini, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it and refrigerate for a day before baking, which makes meal planning a breeze.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of jarred?
Definitely. Homemade Alfredo sauce adds a personal touch and often tastes even fresher. Just be sure it’s thick enough to hold the casserole together nicely.
What can I add to make the casserole more flavorful?
Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutrition. Herbs like basil or thyme also complement the creamy sauce.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just make sure to check the Alfredo sauce ingredients or use a gluten-free homemade version.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is a total winner when you want dinner that feels like a warm hug. Rich, cheesy, creamy, and packed with hearty ingredients, it’s a dish that brings comfort and smiles to any table. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
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Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Ideal for a family-friendly dinner, it’s baked to golden bubbly perfection and can be garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Dairy
- 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
- 15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare for baking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, cooking until they are no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, drained pasta, jar of Alfredo sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of milk. Stir well to evenly coat all the ingredients with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Make sure chicken is fully cooked before combining to prevent any raw meat in the casserole.
- The casserole can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
