There's nothing quite like a warm, creamy chicken alfredo casserole to bring comfort food to your dinner table. This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, homemade alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This chicken alfredo casserole transforms the classic Italian-American pasta dish into a convenient baked version that's perfect for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce seeps into every layer, creating a luxurious meal that's even better as leftovers. Plus, it's incredibly versatile – add broccoli for extra nutrition or customize it with your favorite vegetables.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert Tips for Success
- Dietary Modifications and Variations
- Equipment For Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- Storage and Reheating
- Grandma’s Secret to the Creamiest Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- FAQ
- Why This Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Will Steal the Show Every Time
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Ingredients
the Casserole:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets (optional)
- 3 cups alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
the Homemade Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce (if using homemade)
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with black pepper and nutmeg if using.
Assemble the Casserole
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and alfredo sauce.
- If using broccoli, blanch it for 2 minutes and add to the mixture.
- Transfer half the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Add remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining cheese.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining Italian seasoning and sprinkle on top.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for the smoothest sauce.
- Cook the pasta slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- For a time-saving shortcut, use rotisserie chicken and quality store-bought alfredo sauce.
- Don't skip the resting time – it helps the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency.
Dietary Modifications and Variations
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing cheese quantities.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
- Add different vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for variety.
- Try using different pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli for fun texture variations.
Equipment For Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- For best results when reheating the whole casserole, bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Grandma’s Secret to the Creamiest Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
There’s a little trick my grandma swore by, and I promise it changes everything—warming the dairy before it ever touches the pan. I used to wonder why her Alfredo sauce was always silkier than mine, and one day, she let me in on her secret. “Cold cream shocks the sauce,” she’d say, gently stirring a pot with that knowing smile. “But when it’s warm, it blends like a dream.” And she was right. Room temperature cream, butter softened just enough, and cheese freshly grated—it’s the magic trio that keeps the sauce from ever turning grainy.
So now, every time I make this Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole, I let my ingredients sit out while I cook the pasta. It’s a small step, but it makes all the difference, creating that rich, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. Trust me, once you try it this way, you’ll never go back!
FAQ
What to Add to Chicken Alfredo to Make It Taste Better?
Enhance your Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole by adding sautéed garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth. Fresh basil or parsley brightens the dish, while sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach add texture and flavor. For extra richness, mix in a little cream cheese!
What Is the Difference Between Chicken Alfredo and Fettuccine Alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo includes tender, seasoned chicken combined with creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta, while Fettuccine Alfredo is a simpler dish of fettuccine noodles coated in a rich Parmesan-butter sauce. Chicken Alfredo is a heartier, protein-packed meal, while traditional Fettuccine Alfredo focuses purely on the luxurious, cheesy sauce without any added meat.
What Is Crack Chicken Casserole?
Crack Chicken Casserole is an ultra-creamy, cheesy baked dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s called “crack” chicken because it’s so addictive! Unlike Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole, it has a tangy, smoky flavor from the ranch and bacon, making it a totally different comfort food experience.
What Goes with Chicken Alfredo Casserole?
Serve Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a balanced meal. A side of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli adds freshness. For a lighter option, pair it with a zesty arugula salad. And don’t forget a glass of white wine or lemonade to complement the creamy flavors!
Why This Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Will Steal the Show Every Time
One bite of this Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole, and you’ll see why it’s the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a meal prep hero for the week ahead. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—throw in some spinach, swap the pasta shape, or add extra cheese for that perfect golden crust. No matter how you make it, this casserole guarantees happy plates and zero leftovers.
If you loved this, you’ll want to try our Chicken Stuffed Shells for another creamy, baked pasta masterpiece. And for dessert? Treat yourself to the irresistible Strawberry Crunch Cupcakes—because every great meal deserves a sweet ending!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
the Casserole:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets optional
- 3 cups alfredo sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Homemade Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 9x13 baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until done. Set aside.
- For homemade sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add cream and simmer. Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with pepper and nutmeg.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and alfredo sauce. Add broccoli if using.
- Layer half mixture in baking dish, add half cheeses. Repeat layers.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with remaining Italian seasoning.
- Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes. Uncover, bake 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
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