Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

The Perfect Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe for Tonight

Creamy chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table with its rich, indulgent flavors.

Pasta lovers everywhere appreciate this classic dish that changes simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Hearty and filling, the casserole combines tender chicken with a velvety sauce that promises to delight your taste buds.

Layers of melted cheese and perfectly seasoned ingredients create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each forkful offers a delightful mixture of creamy goodness that feels like a warm embrace.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this recipe comes together, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or special gatherings.

The combination of familiar ingredients ensures a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Pairing Ideas That Work Well with Alfredo Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich casserole with a refreshing chardonnay or pinot grigio that cuts through the dish's richness and enhances its subtle pesto and chicken flavors.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick by toasting crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious Alfredo sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft, creamy casserole.
  • Add Fresh Citrus Salad: Balance the heavy casserole with a light, zesty mixed green salad featuring lemon vinaigrette, which will brighten the meal and provide a crisp, tangy counterpoint to the rich pasta dish.
  • Complement with Sparkling Water: Cleanse the palate between bites with a bubbly sparkling water garnished with a slice of fresh lemon or lime to refresh and enhance the overall dining experience.

Creative Versions of Chicken Alfredo Bakes

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate oregano and mix in kalamata olives for an authentic Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Swap rotisserie chicken with blackened or taco-seasoned chicken. Mix in roasted green chiles, corn kernels, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Vegetarian Garden Blend: Substitute chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or lump crab meat. Incorporate fresh dill, lemon zest, and use a lighter white wine-based cream sauce for an elegant maritime twist.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Bake

  • Savor Layered Comfort: The casserole builds delicious flavor profiles through strategic ingredient stacking, creating a mouthwatering experience that blends creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and vibrant spinach in every delightful bite.
  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-dish wonder transforms leftover rotisserie chicken and basic pantry ingredients into a gourmet meal, cutting down preparation time and minimizing kitchen cleanup with its streamlined cooking method.
  • Customize Your Creaminess: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting cheese quantities, swapping protein, or adding extra vegetables, making it perfect for picky eaters and flexible family dinner solutions that keep everyone satisfied.
  • Elevate Presentation Effortlessly: The final garnish of fresh basil and paprika transforms an ordinary casserole into a restaurant-quality dish, adding visual appeal and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that impresses without complicated techniques.

Ingredients That Make This Alfredo Casserole Rich

Main Ingredients:

Pasta and Protein:- Penne Pasta: Hearty base that absorbs sauce and provides texture. Choose a high-quality pasta with good bite.

  • Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient and flavorful protein that adds richness to the casserole. Pre-cooked for easy preparation.

Cheese and Sauce:- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, stretchy topping. Low-moisture variety ensures proper melting.

  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that brings luxurious flavor to the dish. Adds richness and smoothness.

Herbs and Seasonings:- Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds fresh flavor and beautiful green color.

  • Paprika: Subtle spice that provides gentle warmth and attractive color to the casserole.

Additional Components:- Pesto Sauce: Adds depth of flavor with herb and garlic notes. Enhances overall taste profile.

  • Chicken Broth: Helps to moisten the casserole and intensify chicken flavor.
  • Baby Spinach: Adds nutritional value and vibrant green color. Provides fresh, earthy undertones to the dish.

Instructions to Create This Creamy Baked Dish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create Spinach Pesto Magic

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Fresh chopped spinach
  • Vibrant pesto sauce

Toss until spinach is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Sauce Base

In another bowl, whisk together:
  • Smooth Alfredo sauce
  • Rich chicken broth

Stir until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Layer Casserole Foundation

Grab an 11 x 7-inch baking dish and lightly grease it.

Spread one-third of Alfredo mixture across the bottom.

Sprinkle half of spinach pesto mixture on top.

Step 5: Build Protein And Pasta Layer

In a large bowl, mix together:
  • Cooked penne pasta
  • Tender rotisserie chicken
  • Remaining Alfredo sauce

Spoon half of this mixture over spinach layer.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Add another round of spinach mixture.

Top with remaining chicken and pasta blend.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide casserole into preheated oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until edges become golden.

Step 8: Cheese And Final Touch

Remove casserole from oven.

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Return to oven for 5 more minutes until cheese melts.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Finish with fresh basil ribbons.

Dust with paprika for extra color and zest.

Let cool slightly before serving.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Alfredo Finish

  • Boost Pasta Texture: Cook penne al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect firm bite in the casserole.
  • Maximize Chicken Flavor: Use warm rotisserie chicken to help it blend seamlessly with the Alfredo sauce and retain moisture.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: If the mixture seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain a creamy, luxurious texture.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Let the cheese rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a stretchy, golden-brown topping that looks professional.
  • Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh basil just before sprinkling to release maximum aroma and preserve its vibrant green color.

Ways to Store and Reheat with Ease

  • Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For whole casserole, bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Chicken Alfredo Casserole brings comfort and richness to dinner tables with its layers of pasta, tender chicken, and silky sauce. Melted cheese and herbed breadcrumbs create a golden, crispy topping that elevates this classic Italian-American comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • 2 ½ cups (590 ml) chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) pre-shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
  • 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) package fresh baby spinach, chopped

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) jar Alfredo sauce
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) refrigerated pesto sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth

Garnish and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) thinly sliced fresh basil
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare a welcoming workspace by preheating the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating an ideal environment for culinary magic.
  2. Craft a vibrant spinach and pesto harmony by gently combining the chopped greens with aromatic pesto, ensuring each leaf glistens with flavor.
  3. Compose a silky Alfredo foundation by whisking together the creamy sauce and rich chicken broth until smooth and velvety.
  4. Transform your baking dish into a delectable canvas by lightly coating it with cooking spray and spreading an initial layer of the Alfredo mixture.
  5. Unfold the first spinach layer across the Alfredo base, creating a verdant landscape of herbal notes.
  6. In a generous mixing bowl, unite cooked penne, tender rotisserie chicken, and remaining Alfredo sauce into a cohesive, flavor-packed ensemble.
  7. Carefully distribute half of the chicken-pasta medley over the spinach, establishing the first substantial layer of the casserole.
  8. Repeat the layering process with remaining spinach and chicken mixture, building depth and complexity.
  9. Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes and develop a tantalizing aroma.
  10. Dramatically crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded mozzarella, transforming its appearance and promising a golden, melted finish.
  11. Return the dish to the oven for a final 5-minute flourish, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble seductively.
  12. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with delicate fresh basil ribbons and a whisper of paprika, adding visual intrigue and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Discover a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Rotisserie chicken shortcuts the cooking process, making this casserole a lifesaver for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Freezer-friendly and easily reheatable, this dish promises delicious comfort food with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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