There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy, and creamy pasta bake that feels like a big cozy hug on a plate. This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe brings all those delightful elements together with tender chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that never fails to impress whether you’re serving a family dinner or feeding friends. Get ready to savor layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s where the magic begins: with a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and colors of this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. From juicy chicken to creamy sauce and cheesy topping, every component enhances the final dish beautifully.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless cuts makes the chicken tender and easy to eat in every casserole bite.
- Red onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable aromatic warmth that elevates the whole dish.
- Penne pasta: Its tube shape holds the sauce inside, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
- Alfredo sauce: The luscious, creamy base that makes this casserole truly irresistible.
- Mozzarella cheese: Divided between the mix and topping, it melts beautifully for that perfect stringy texture.
- Milk: Added to the sauce mixture to keep everything smooth and creamy without heaviness.
- Cheddar cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, tangy contrast that intensifies as it melts in the oven.
- Salt and black pepper: The simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens the dish with fresh color and subtle herbal notes.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup later. This step sets the stage for a smooth baking experience.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Onions and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until they are no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s flavor. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Then take the skillet off the heat to keep everything fresh for the next step.
Step 3: Boil the Pasta Until Al Dente
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until it is perfectly al dente — tender but still with a little bite. Drain the pasta well; this helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, drained penne, Alfredo sauce, one cup of shredded mozzarella, and the milk. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure everything is evenly coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. This mixture forms the heart of your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe.
Step 5: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Spread the creamy mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the shredded cheddar. These layers of cheese create a sumptuous golden crust when baked, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy interior.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to melt completely and bubble up enticingly with a beautiful golden hue. This is when the flavors meld together into pure comfort food perfection.
Step 7: Let It Cool and Get Ready to Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop onto plates without losing its structure. If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to balance the rich flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but effective garnish that adds a splash of vibrant green to your creamy casserole. You could also scatter some grated Parmesan or crushed black pepper for an extra flavorful touch that complements the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to add brightness and balance out the creamy main dish. Garlic bread is another classic choice that completes the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach inside the casserole for an added dimension of flavor and color. Making a crunchy breadcrumb topping with a sprinkle of herbs gives it an irresistible crisp finish.
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 and delicious for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy cozy comfort food even on busy days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly with aluminum foil or storing in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese starts bubbling again—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions, covering loosely to keep moisture locked in while reheating evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can swap it with other similarly shaped pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or artichokes instead. Just sauté the veggies until tender and follow the same mixing and baking steps for a delicious vegetarian version.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese will add a personal touch and even richer flavor. Just substitute it cup for cup for the jarred sauce in the recipe.
What can I do to make the casserole extra cheesy?
Feel free to increase the mozzarella and cheddar amounts or add other cheeses like Parmesan, provolone, or even a bit of cream cheese into the mix. Combining different cheeses gives the casserole a more complex and indulgent flavor profile.
Can this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire casserole up to assembling, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This convenience means dinner can almost cook itself on a busy day!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to casserole cooking or a seasoned pro, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is a total game changer. It combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s rich, comforting, and crowd-pleasing every single time. I highly recommend giving it a try — your family and friends will thank you for bringing such warmth and flavor to the table.
Print
Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole combines tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken & Vegetables
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Sauce
- 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
- 15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce
- ¼ cup milk
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning & 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) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bite-sized chicken pieces until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking together for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, drained pasta, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and milk. Stir everything together until fully combined.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the casserole mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella and 1 cup cheddar cheese over the top for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted and is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the chicken while cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly or add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
