Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce topped with melted cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
• ½ (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts into a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 15 minutes. Drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, ½ cup of mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, try using cooked bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms mixed in with the chicken and pasta.
• Substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini for a different texture.
• Use homemade Alfredo sauce for a fresher taste if you have extra time.
• Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for a bright finish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?

Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds flavor and saves time. Simply shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix as directed.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole a day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it for about 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 137 reviews

A creamy and cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole featuring tender boiled chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with layers of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Pasta

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta

Sauce and Cheese

• ½ (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, about 15 minutes. Drain and cut into bite-size pieces.
3. Cook the Pasta: Simultaneously, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta once done.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained pasta, Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella cheese (¾ cup), milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a 1 ½-quart casserole dish. Spread the remaining mozzarella cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

Notes

• You can swap penne pasta with any other similar pasta shape if desired.
• For extra flavor, consider adding freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
• Use low-fat or light Alfredo sauce to reduce calories and fat content.

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, easy family dinner, baked pasta recipe