Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, look no further than this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with savory flavor, it’s the sort of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a little celebration. Imagine tender pasta hugged by a silky Alfredo sauce, packed with seasoned chicken, and crowned with a layer of golden, melty cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re hosting loved ones for a cozy get-together, this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about this casserole is how every ingredient plays a starring role in flavor and texture—there’s nothing superfluous here, just the best basics coming together in harmony. These kitchen staples come together effortlessly, making your prep both simple and rewarding.

• Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Pasta (12 oz, penne or fettuccine): Opt for your favorite shape—penne holds sauce nicely, while fettuccine gives a classic touch.
• Alfredo sauce (2 cups): Homemade is fantastic, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 ½ cups): Delivers that gooey, cheesy top everyone craves in a casserole.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a salty, savory punch and perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce extra rich and helps bind everything together.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Infuses richness and aids in sautéing the garlic for fantastic depth of flavor.
• Minced garlic (2 cloves): The aromatic backbone of the sauce—don’t skip this for flavor!
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Blends herbs that marry beautifully with Alfredo’s creaminess for a layered taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial for balancing and elevating all the flavors—taste as you go!
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbal notes at the finish.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your baking dish a generous coating of nonstick spray or melted butter to ensure nothing sticks and every scoop comes out perfectly. While the oven warms, you can begin your prep—this little step will set you up for casserole success!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Make sure not to overcook—pasta will continue softening in the oven. Drain it well, give it a quick toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set it aside while you work on the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in your Alfredo sauce and heavy cream, sprinkling in the Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Let it all simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking occasionally as the sauce becomes extra creamy and irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Grab your biggest mixing bowl and gently combine the shredded chicken and drained pasta. Now, pour over that luscious Alfredo sauce mixture. Use tongs or a sturdy spatula to toss everything together, making sure every piece is drenched in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Scoop the chicken-pasta mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella followed by the Parmesan all over the top. These cheeses will form a bubbly, golden crust as the casserole bakes—absolute perfection!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is pure molten gold and the edges are bubbling invitingly. If you like a touch of extra color, pop it under the broiler for a minute—just keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before scooping out that first portion, sprinkle a little fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green. The fragrance and color make the whole Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe look even more inviting.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is classic, giving each serving a bright finish, but don’t be afraid to grate a bit of extra Parmesan or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of spice. A little lemon zest can also lighten up the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs best with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are another favorite, perfect for sopping up every last bit of the Alfredo sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, family-style presentation, serve directly from the oven in your prettiest baking dish. Or, for a dinner party, spoon individual servings into shallow bowls, topping each with a curl of Parmesan and a sprig of parsley. Little ramekins make lovely individual portions, turning this classic Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe into something special for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, any leftovers can be covered tightly or transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making leftovers even tastier for lunch or an easy dinner tomorrow.

Freezing

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is a fantastic candidate for freezing! Once cooled, wrap it well (or portion into freezer-safe containers) and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a 350°F oven covered with foil until hot and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. A microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between for even warming. Add a splash of cream or milk if it seems a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, adding lots of flavor and keeping prep speedy. Just be sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing in.

Is it okay to swap out the pasta type?

Definitely—use what you love or have on hand. Penne and fettuccine are classics, but shells, rigatoni, or even farfalle make excellent substitutes in this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe.

Can I make this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (minus the final cheese topping if you like), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking for best texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to make homemade Alfredo sauce?

Homemade Alfredo sauce is a cinch: simply melt butter, add a little minced garlic, and stir in heavy cream and fresh Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until thick and creamy before using in your Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe.

How can I lighten up this casserole?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim cheeses. You can also toss in steamed broccoli florets or baby spinach for bonus veggies and color.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to treat yourself and your loved ones to this Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe soon! It’s the kind of dish that brings big smiles to the table and quickly becomes a family favorite. Dig in, enjoy the creamy comfort, and don’t be surprised if it enters your regular dinner rotation!

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