If you’ve ever craved the rich comfort of Alfredo pasta and wished you could bring it straight from oven to table in a big, bubbling dish, this recipe for Chicken Alfredo Casserole is about to become your new go-to favorite. Creamy, cheesy and brimming with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and peas, it’s got all the essentials for a memorable family dinner that’s easy to throw together. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the best kind of next-day lunch, this hearty casserole delivers with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s incredible how a handful of everyday ingredients can turn into a show-stopping meal. Every part of this Chicken Alfredo Casserole brings something special—think creamy sauce, golden cheese, a hint of garlic and the perfect pasta bite. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips to make each element shine:
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Use rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and an unbeatable shortcut on busy nights.
- Penne or fettuccine pasta (12 oz, uncooked): Penne’s ridges or fettuccine’s wide noodles both hold that luscious sauce in every forkful.
- Alfredo sauce (2 cups, store-bought or homemade): This is the creamy backbone of the casserole—pick your favorite jarred version, or whip some up from scratch for extra love.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Brings that classic, gooey pull and a mild meltiness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty finish that makes this casserole taste like it came from a restaurant.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Gives the sauce its dreamy, rich consistency, leaving every bite irresistible.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): Pop in color and a fresh touch that balances out the creaminess.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Sautéed in butter, this little touch packs in savory aroma and depth.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that brings an unmistakable pop of flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for brining out all the flavors in the creamy sauce and chicken.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing and giving the sauce a luscious base.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional topping): For a little crunch and gorgeous golden finish—totally worth it if you love texture!
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this step ensures that beautiful golden crust releases easily, and cleanup is a breeze once you’ve devoured your casserole.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne or fettuccine just until al dente. The goal is pasta with a little bite left; it’ll finish cooking as it bakes, soaking up all that creamy Alfredo goodness. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic for Serious Flavor
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it smells toasty and irresistible—don’t skip this, as it sets the whole flavor base for your Chicken Alfredo Casserole!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Mix
To the skillet, add your cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, peas, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly combined and warmed through, letting those rich flavors mingle for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained pasta into the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece in the creamy, herby mixture. You want each noodle to be fully cloaked—this is what makes the casserole so satisfying!
Step 6: Assemble and Add the Cheese
Pour the creamy pasta and chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the top, and if you’re a fan of crunchy toppings, add the optional breadcrumbs now for a stunning, crispy finish.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for those magical golden edges and a bubbling, cheesy surface. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set and gets you the perfect scoop.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped basil, plus a little more grated Parmesan, instantly brightens up Chicken Alfredo Casserole and adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or serve alongside garlic bread or steamed broccoli. The light crunch and veggie freshness perfectly balance every cheesy, creamy bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for built-in portion control, or spoon it into a hollowed-out round loaf of bread for a wow-worthy dinner party centerpiece. Leftovers also make an inspired next-day lunch stuffed into a wrap or even baked inside bell peppers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Chicken Alfredo Casserole cool to room temperature before covering with foil or transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—trust me, the flavors only get better overnight!
Freezing
To make your life even easier, assemble the unbaked casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for dinner, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). For single servings, the microwave works great, but add a splash of milk or cream before heating to restore the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works wonderfully in this Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Simply swap it in for the chicken, keeping all the other ingredients the same—it’s a perfect way to reinvent those holiday leftovers.
How can I make this casserole gluten free?
Just choose your favorite gluten free pasta and substitute gluten free breadcrumbs (or skip them entirely). Double-check that your Alfredo sauce is gluten free, and you’ll have an equally creamy and delicious dish.
What vegetables can I add to boost nutrition?
Broccoli florets, baby spinach, mushrooms, and even roasted red peppers are tasty additions that blend seamlessly into Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Just briefly sauté or steam any heartier veggies before adding them to the mix.
Is it possible to make this casserole lighter?
For a lighter version, go with a light Alfredo sauce, substitute milk for the heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. You’ll still get that craveable comfort and creamy texture with a fraction of the richness.
Can I assemble Chicken Alfredo Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead without baking. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary—so dinner can be as easy as preheat, bake and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Alfredo Casserole is one of those meals that always brings comfort and cheer to the table. Try it for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering and watch everyone go back for seconds. I hope you love every creamy, cheesy forkful!
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Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Creamy Alfredo sauce coats tender chicken and pasta, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Alfredo Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken mixture: In a skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken, Alfredo sauce, cream, peas, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat through.
- Combine and bake: Mix in the pasta, transfer to the baking dish, top with cheeses and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
- Customize with additional veggies like broccoli or mushrooms.
- Opt for a lighter version by using light Alfredo sauce and milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
