Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
You're about to discover the ultimate comfort food that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Chicken Alfredo Casserole isn't just dinner—it's a creamy, cheesy experience that'll have your family asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this recipe promises foolproof deliciousness that's both simple to prepare and impressive to serve. Want to know how to create this crowd-pleasing dish that'll become your new weeknight go-to?
Recipe Highlights
- Boil penne pasta al dente, then mix with pre-cooked diced chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Transfer pasta mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer for uniform cooking and heat distribution.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the casserole to create a rich, golden-brown cheese crust.
- Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top becomes golden brown and bubbly.
- Optional: Enhance the recipe by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or crispy bacon for extra flavor and nutritional variety.
History
Although pasta dishes have roots stretching back centuries, the Chicken Alfredo Casserole represents a distinctly American adaptation of traditional Italian cuisine.
You'll find this dish evolved from classic Alfredo, originally created in Rome by Alfredo di Lelio in the early 1900s. As Italian immigrants brought culinary traditions to the United States, home cooks began transforming elegant restaurant recipes into more accessible, family-friendly versions.
The casserole format emerged in mid-20th century America as a convenient one-dish meal that could feed large families efficiently.
Recipe
Craving a comforting and easy-to-prepare meal that satisfies the whole family? This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a creamy, cheesy dish that transforms classic Alfredo into a hearty casserole.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. By using pre-cooked chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce, you can significantly cut down on preparation time while still delivering a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and melted cheese creates a truly irresistible dinner option.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken
- 2 jars (15 oz each) Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing the pasta according to package instructions, aiming for al dente texture. While the pasta cooks, gather your other ingredients and have them ready for mixing.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, combine it in a large mixing bowl with the diced chicken and Alfredo sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, covering the entire surface. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and develops golden brown spots, creating a beautiful, appetizing top layer.
When preparing this casserole, remember that slightly undercooking the pasta is key, as it will continue to soften during baking.
Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven, which helps the sauce thicken and makes serving much easier. For make-ahead convenience, this casserole can be prepared in advance and frozen for up to 3 months, making it an excellent option for meal prep or unexpected dinner guests.
Cooking Steps
You'll transform your Chicken Alfredo Casserole by following these key cooking steps that streamline the process and maximize flavor.
First, boil your penne pasta until it's perfectly al dente, then mix the cooked pasta with tender diced chicken and rich Alfredo sauce in a spacious mixing bowl.
Transfer the creamy mixture to a greased baking dish, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, and bake until the surface turns a tempting golden brown with bubbly, melted cheese.
Step 1. Boil Pasta Until Al Dente
The first key step in crafting your Chicken Alfredo Casserole is perfectly boiling the penne pasta to achieve that coveted al dente texture.
You'll want to follow the package instructions carefully, but aim for a slightly firmer pasta than usual. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
Pour in the 16 oz of penne, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Watch the pasta closely, testing it with a fork around 1-2 minutes before the recommended cooking time.
Al dente pasta should have a slight resistance when bitten, maintaining a firm center. Drain immediately in a colander, and if needed, rinse quickly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
This technique ensures your pasta won't become mushy during baking.
Step 2. Mix Chicken and Sauce
After draining your perfectly al dente penne, grab a spacious mixing bowl for combining your casserole's core components.
Measure out 4 cups of diced cooked chicken, ensuring pieces are uniform in size for even distribution.
Pour both jars of Alfredo sauce over the pasta and chicken, using a large spoon or spatula to thoroughly coat and mix the ingredients.
You'll want to ensure every pasta piece and chicken chunk is generously covered in the creamy sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Gently fold the mixture, taking care not to break the pasta or shred the chicken further.
The goal is a well-integrated combination that promises a delicious, cohesive casserole experience when baked.
Step 3. Transfer to Dish
Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish generously with cooking spray or butter, ensuring every corner receives a light coating to prevent sticking.
Spread the coating evenly, tilting the dish to cover the sides and bottom completely.
Now, carefully transfer your chicken, pasta, and Alfredo sauce mixture into the prepared dish, using a spatula to distribute ingredients uniformly.
Aim for an even layer that reaches all edges, avoiding clumping or uneven distribution.
Gently press down with your spatula to create a compact, level surface that will cook consistently.
This step ensures each bite will have a perfect balance of chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce. Your careful transfer sets the foundation for a deliciously golden, bubbling casserole that'll have everyone excited for dinner.
Step 4. Sprinkle Cheese on Top
Two cups of shredded cheese are about to transform your Chicken Alfredo Casserole from delicious to extraordinary, so grab your mozzarella and Parmesan and let's create that golden, melty topping.
You'll want to distribute the cheese evenly across the entire surface, ensuring each bite gets maximum cheesy coverage. Start with the mozzarella, sprinkling it in a uniform layer that covers the pasta and chicken mixture completely.
Then, strategically scatter the Parmesan over the mozzarella, creating a complex, textured cheese layer that'll develop beautiful golden-brown spots during baking.
Don't be shy about reaching into every corner of the baking dish – complete coverage means every forkful will be packed with rich, melted cheese goodness.
Step 5. Bake Until Golden Brown
Once you've lovingly scattered that beautiful cheese across the top of your casserole, slide the baking dish into a preheated 375°F oven, ready to transform your creation into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece.
Watch carefully as the cheese begins to melt, creating a tempting blanket over the pasta and chicken. Aim for a rich, golden color with crispy edges that hint at caramelization, typically achieved in 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the surface, rotating the dish if needed to ensure even browning.
The cheese should be completely melted, with slight browning at the corners and edges – a sign of perfect doneness. Once achieved, remove the casserole and let it rest for 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a busy home cook or a pasta enthusiast, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole offers a delightful solution for satisfying meals with minimal effort.
You'll find this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that's both comforting and impressive. The key is mastering basic techniques like proper pasta cooking, cheese distribution, and strategic baking time.
Make this casserole your weeknight go-to meal that impresses family and simplifies dinner preparation. Its versatility allows for easy customization – try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Don't forget to let it rest after baking, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the overall taste profile. With these tips, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
