Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even special gatherings? This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to become a family favorite. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and rich Alfredo sauce, this casserole is baked until golden and bubbling, offering pure comfort in every bite. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish that can be easily customized with different ingredients. Read on to discover the best step-by-step recipe, substitutions, and tips to make the ultimate Chicken Alfredo Casserole.

What is Chicken Alfredo Casserole?

A Chicken Alfredo Casserole takes the classic flavors of Chicken Alfredo—creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta—and transforms them into a baked dish. Imagine a casserole dish filled with pasta and chicken, coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The casserole is then baked to perfection, creating a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s ideal for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers the next day. This dish is perfect for those who love the flavors of Alfredo but want a more hands-off, baked version.

Ingredients List for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious casserole. Feel free to make substitutions depending on what you have on hand or to suit your taste.

Casserole Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal)
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale) for added greens
• ½ cup mushrooms, sliced (sautéed)
• ¼ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (for extra flavor)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (steamed)

Substitutions and Variations

Protein Variations:

• Turkey: Swap the chicken for turkey, especially around the holidays when leftovers are abundant.
• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, substitute chicken with cooked shrimp.
• Vegetarian: Make it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Pasta Variations:

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier option, try using whole wheat pasta, which adds fiber and nutrients.

Sauce Variations:

• Jarred Alfredo Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can use a jar of store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just make sure to choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.
• Light Alfredo Sauce: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or replace part of the cream with milk. You can also use low-fat cream cheese to thicken the sauce.

Cheese Variations:

• Cheddar: Add some sharp cheddar for a richer, more flavorful casserole.
• Gruyere or Provolone: Substitute mozzarella with Gruyere or provolone for a different cheesy flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Chicken Alfredo Casserole. This recipe is straightforward and can be customized based on your preferences.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but cooked through). Drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember, the pasta will cook further in the oven, so it’s important not to overcook it at this stage.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie), shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, season them with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding or cubing.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once heated, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and combined, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Season the sauce with black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust salt and seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of the remaining Parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the pasta mixture on top, and then finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve warm.

How to Cook Chicken Alfredo Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain it.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Shred or cube cooked chicken, or cook it if starting with raw chicken.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Sauté garlic, simmer cream, and melt in Parmesan for a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
4. Combine: Mix the pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce together until evenly coated.
5. Layer with Cheese: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked just until al dente. It will cook further in the oven, and overcooked pasta will turn mushy.
• Not Seasoning the Sauce Enough: Alfredo sauce is creamy and rich, but it can taste bland if it’s not well-seasoned. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
• Using Too Much Pasta: Stick to the recommended pasta amount, as too much pasta can overwhelm the sauce and dry out the casserole.
• Not Letting the Casserole Rest: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the flavors meld and allows the sauce to thicken up.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Chicken Alfredo Casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. Serve it family-style by placing the baking dish in the center of the table and allowing everyone to scoop out their own portions. Pair it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Individual Servings: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a more personal touch.
• Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Cheese Grater: Serve with a small bowl of grated Parmesan and a microplane on the side so guests can add extra cheese if they like.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake. When baking from the fridge, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: Chicken Alfredo Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of cream or milk before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of homemade?

Yes, you can! While homemade Alfredo sauce provides the best flavor, jarred Alfredo sauce is a great shortcut. Use about 2 cups of jarred sauce for this recipe.

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent additions. You can sauté or steam the vegetables before adding them to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Make sure the Alfredo sauce ingredients (especially any store-bought options) are also gluten-free.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure there’s enough sauce to fully coat the pasta and chicken. If the casserole looks dry before baking, stir in a little more cream or Alfredo sauce. Also, covering the casserole with foil for the first half of baking helps retain moisture.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. With easy-to-follow instructions and room for customization, this dish is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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