Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Craving a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare? This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the perfect recipe for you! Combining tender pieces of chicken, pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, this baked casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Topped with golden, bubbly cheese, it’s perfect for a cozy family meal, a potluck, or even meal prep. Plus, it’s super simple to customize! Keep reading for the full step-by-step recipe and expert tips on how to make the best Chicken Alfredo Casserole.

this Recipe

What is Chicken Alfredo Casserole?

Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a delicious baked pasta dish that combines tender chicken with creamy Alfredo sauce, pasta, and a cheesy topping. It’s essentially an oven-baked version of classic Chicken Alfredo but with a hearty, comforting twist that makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients List for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this indulgent Chicken Alfredo Casserole. This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it great for families or dinner parties.

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or ziti work well)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh broccoli florets (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the dish)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to customize this Chicken Alfredo Casserole to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Protein Substitutes: You can use turkey, ham, or even shrimp in place of chicken. For a vegetarian version, add sautéed mushrooms or extra vegetables instead of meat.
• Pasta Options: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are all excellent choices. You can also use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even Gruyère for a richer flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Want to add more veggies? Try incorporating spinach, peas, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value and add color.
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce: If you prefer homemade over store-bought, you can easily make your own Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Chicken Alfredo Casserole perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to soften while baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Alfredo Sauce Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you're adding broccoli or any other vegetables, toss them in at this stage.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken Alfredo mixture and gently stir until all the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top, making sure to cover the entire surface for that melty, bubbly cheese finish.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. If you like a crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes when making Chicken Alfredo Casserole:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente. Overcooking the pasta will result in a mushy casserole, as the pasta continues to cook while baking.
• Too Little Sauce: The pasta will absorb some of the sauce while baking, so make sure the sauce-to-pasta ratio is balanced. You can always add more Alfredo sauce or cream if needed.
• Skipping the Cheese Topping: The cheesy, golden topping is one of the best parts of this casserole, so don’t skimp on it!
• Burning the Cheese: If broiling the cheese, keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. The broil setting can go from golden to burnt in seconds!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a hearty, rich dish, so you’ll want to serve it alongside something light and fresh to balance the meal.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Family Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish, scooping generous portions onto plates. Make sure to get plenty of that cheesy topping in each serving!
• With Sides: Pair this creamy casserole with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: This casserole makes excellent leftovers and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for future meals.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Garnish with Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, creamy casserole.
• Rustic Serving: Serve the casserole in the same dish it was baked in, and place it on the table with a large spoon for a casual, family-style dinner.
• Individual Portions: If you want to get fancy, bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a more personalized presentation.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe Tips

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and eliminates the need to cook chicken from scratch.
• Add Breadcrumbs for Crunch: For added texture, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole before baking.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week, double the ingredients and bake two casseroles at once. You can freeze one for later!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Alfredo Casserole?
A: Yes! Chicken Alfredo Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I use a different type of sauce?
A: Yes! While Alfredo sauce is classic, you can also use a garlic cream sauce, pesto sauce, or even a light tomato cream sauce for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Definitely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the casserole to boost its nutritional value.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and pasta in one delicious, cheesy dish. It’s a great option for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks, and is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy.

So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of Chicken Alfredo Casserole!

Print