Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Baked under a golden layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners and guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy – A rich Alfredo sauce and two kinds of cheese make this dish extra indulgent.
Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this a go-to weeknight meal.
Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleasing dish that even picky eaters will love.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats well for leftovers.
Customizable – Easily adaptable with added veggies or different cheeses.

Ingredients

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 oz (450g) penne pasta
15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 11 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, cooked penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and milk. Stir until evenly incorporated.
Assemble & Bake: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

Add Veggies – Stir in broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Swap the Protein – Use cooked shrimp, turkey, or rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts.
Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Cheese Variations – Swap cheddar for Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce – Use a homemade sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep it creamy.
Freezing: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?

Try a homemade Alfredo sauce or substitute with a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

4. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great.

5. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from drying out?

Be sure to add enough sauce and cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking if needed.

6. Can I add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping?

Yes! Mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

7. How do I make this casserole lighter?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and a lighter Alfredo sauce to reduce calories.

8. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking to ensure even cooking.

9. What side dishes go well with this casserole?

A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread make great accompaniments.

10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours, then sprinkle with cheese and let it melt before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this baked pasta dish is a great way to feed the whole family. Whether served fresh or reheated as leftovers, this comforting meal is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a hearty, delicious dinner!

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

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Print Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink (5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
Mix the Casserole: In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, pasta, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, and milk. Stir to combine.
Assemble & Bake: Spread the mixture in the casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar on top.
Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley

Notes

Add Veggies: Mix in broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Swap the Protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or rotisserie chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Cheese Variations: Substitute cheddar with Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or Swiss.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired