Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that blends creamy, cheesy indulgence with familiar flavors, look no further than Chicken Alfredo Casserole. This pasta casserole is like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket after a long day: it’s crowd-pleasing, easy, and guaranteed to have everyone sneaking seconds. With a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, tender chunks of chicken, and gooey melted cheese on top, it’s the sort of dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Chicken Alfredo Casserole is its reliance on simple, straightforward ingredients. Each element plays a key role in building that dreamy, rich flavor and the satisfyingly gooey texture we all love in casseroles.

• Pasta (12 oz penne or rotini): Short pasta shapes hold the sauce well and keep every bite deliciously creamy.
• Cooked and shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavor-packed option, but any cooked chicken will work beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Butter is the base for a luxurious roux, adding richness to the sauce.
• Minced garlic (3 cloves): Garlic brings a fragrant, savory punch that’s essential for Alfredo flavor.
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): A thickener for the sauce, ensuring it clings to each piece of pasta.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Adds creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): For that unmistakably silky and decadent Alfredo texture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): The sharp, nutty flavor is the heart of any Alfredo sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups, divided): Melty and mild, mozzarella is a dreamy, gooey topping and adds to the creamy sauce.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Highlights all the savory flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A little bit of heat to keep things interesting.
• Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Reinforces the garlic flavor for even more depth.
• Italian seasoning (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to add some herby brightness.
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the finished casserole.

How to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), which gives the casserole that golden, bubbly top. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. You want the pasta slightly firm since it will keep cooking in the oven. Drain well, and set it aside—it’s all about that perfect texture!

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Make the Roux

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant (don’t let it brown). Sprinkle in the flour and stir well, letting it cook for 1–2 minutes. This forms a roux, the magical foundation for a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Let the mixture simmer gently, whisking until it thickens (about 5–7 minutes). That creamy consistency is what sets Chicken Alfredo Casserole apart! Stir in the Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and you have a gorgeous, glossy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Now comes the fun part: mixing it all together. In a large bowl, or right in your baking dish for one less thing to wash, toss together the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and your warm, dreamy Alfredo sauce. Make sure everything is coated and evenly distributed—it’s the secret to every creamy bite bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Once everything’s mixed, smooth it out in the baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella evenly on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until it’s hot and bubbling, and the cheese is invitingly golden. Your kitchen will smell amazing! If you like, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two for an extra browned top.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When your Chicken Alfredo Casserole emerges from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that restaurant-worthy finish and a bit of color. Dig in while it’s gooey and decadent!

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing elevates Chicken Alfredo Casserole like a flurry of freshly chopped parsley. It’s not just for looks—it adds a subtle, fresh note that makes the rich flavors shine. You could even scatter a bit more Parmesan on top before serving for extra flair.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to balance the richness. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or garlic bread to soak up any rich Alfredo sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the Chicken Alfredo Casserole in individual ramekins—guests love their own cheesy, golden-topped servings. Or, scoop it onto a bed of sautéed spinach or spoon into hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful twist on presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Alfredo Casserole stores very well and makes for crave-worthy lunches or carefree dinners! Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly or scoop into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer-friendly dream. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover well with foil and freezer-safe wrap, and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk or cream to keep things extra creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini hold the sauce well, feel free to swap in your favorite short pasta like fusilli or rigatoni. Just avoid long noodles, as they don’t distribute as easily through the casserole.

Can I add vegetables to Chicken Alfredo Casserole?

Definitely. Steamed broccoli, wilted spinach, or even sautéed mushrooms blend beautifully with the creamy sauce. Fold them in with the pasta and chicken for a delicious veggie boost.

What kind of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken is fair game. Rotisserie chicken is perfectly tender and adds great flavor, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works wonderfully as well.

How can I make Chicken Alfredo Casserole lighter?

If you’d like to lighten things up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap reduced-fat cheese. You’ll still get loads of creamy goodness with a bit less richness.

Can I make Chicken Alfredo Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate up to one day in advance. Bake when ready and dinner practically makes itself.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one comfort food casserole this year, let it be Chicken Alfredo Casserole. It’s endlessly customizable, perfect for sharing, and always leaves everyone grinning. Give it a go—you might just find your new family favorite!

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