Chicken Alfredo Casserole offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser and a family favorite. With layers of tender pasta, shredded chicken, and a rich homemade alfredo sauce, each bite is a delicious journey into comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients :

For the Sauce
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Whole milk
- Unsalted chicken stock
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
For the Casserole Assembly
- Cooked penne pasta
- Shredded cooked chicken
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions :

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and spraying a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Sauce Sensation: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Slowly add the milk, chicken stock, and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Mix and Layer: Add the cooked penne and shredded chicken to the pot, stirring until they are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. For an extra golden finish, turn on the broiler and broil until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately and watch as your guests devour every last bite.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serve with a Side Salad: Complement the richness of the Chicken Alfredo Casserole with a fresh side salad dressed with vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole, making for a well-balanced meal.
Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This simple garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of herbaceous flavor to each bite.
Portion Control: When serving the casserole, use a sharp knife to cut it into even portions. This ensures that everyone gets a fair share and helps with portion control, preventing overindulgence.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover Chicken Alfredo Casserole, do so gently to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming too dry. Cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on a lower power setting to avoid overheating.
Freeze for Future Enjoyment: To extend the shelf life of the casserole, consider freezing individual portions for future meals. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures even thawing and helps preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Before serving reheated leftovers, garnish with additional fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for a burst of flavor and brightness. This simple addition revitalizes the dish and gives it a fresh, homemade touch.
Customize with Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms before serving. These extra toppings add layers of texture and flavor to the casserole, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.
Enjoy Cold or Hot: Chicken Alfredo Casserole can be enjoyed either hot or cold, making it a versatile option for meals on the go or picnics. Serve it chilled as a refreshing summer dish or warm it up for a comforting winter meal—it’s delicious either way!

Variations :

Broccoli Addition: Boost the nutritional value of the casserole by adding steamed broccoli florets to the layers. The vibrant green color and fresh flavor of the broccoli complement the creamy alfredo sauce beautifully.
Spinach and Artichoke Twist: Incorporate chopped spinach and marinated artichoke hearts into the casserole for a flavorful twist reminiscent of spinach and artichoke dip. This variation adds an extra layer of complexity and texture to the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Infusion: Introduce a burst of sweet and tangy flavor by mixing chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the alfredo sauce. The tomatoes add a pop of color and a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of the casserole.
Italian Sausage Swap: Replace the shredded chicken with cooked Italian sausage for a hearty and flavorful alternative. The savory sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy alfredo sauce, creating a satisfyingly indulgent dish.
Mushroom Medley: Elevate the casserole with a medley of sautéed mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms. The earthy flavors and meaty texture of the mushrooms add depth and complexity to the dish.
Seafood Sensation: For a luxurious twist, add cooked shrimp or crabmeat to the casserole for a seafood Alfredo experience. The delicate sweetness of the seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, creating an indulgent dish fit for special occasions.
Pesto Passion: Incorporate pesto sauce into the alfredo sauce for a vibrant burst of flavor and color. The aromatic basil and garlic in the pesto add a refreshing dimension to the casserole, creating a delightful fusion of Italian-inspired flavors.
Buffalo Chicken Kick: Add a spicy kick to the casserole by tossing the shredded chicken in buffalo sauce before layering it with the pasta and alfredo sauce. The tangy heat of the buffalo sauce adds a tantalizing twist to the classic dish.
Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken altogether and create a vegetarian version of the casserole by adding roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The roasted vegetables add sweetness and depth to the dish, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.
Tex-Mex Fusion: Give the casserole a Tex-Mex flair by adding black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to the layers. Top it off with a sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese blend for a cheesy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

FAQs :

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this recipe. Penne works well due to its ridges, but you can also use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken is a convenient option. Simply shred or chop the chicken before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the alfredo sauce. Be sure to check all ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is done when it is hot and bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and golden brown on top.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch? Yes, you can use store-bought alfredo sauce if you’re short on time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality sauce for the best flavor.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free? Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk, vegetable broth, and dairy-free cream cheese to make this casserole dairy-free.
Can I add extra cheese to the casserole? Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle extra shredded cheese between the layers or on top for an extra cheesy touch. Adjust the amount to your preference for ultimate cheesy goodness.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy family dinner, Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a dish that never disappoints. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in comfort with every mouthwatering bite!

Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F and spraying a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Sauce Sensation: In a Dutch oven or large pot, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Slowly add the milk, chicken stock, and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the cream cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Mix and Layer: Add the cooked penne and shredded chicken to the pot, stirring until they are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the casserole uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly. For an extra golden finish, turn on the broiler and broil until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately and watch as your guests devour every last bite.

Notes

Serve with a Side Salad: Complement the richness of the Chicken Alfredo Casserole with a fresh side salad dressed with vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole, making for a well-balanced meal.
Garnish Before Serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This simple garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a hint of herbaceous flavor to each bite.
Portion Control: When serving the casserole, use a sharp knife to cut it into even portions. This ensures that everyone gets a fair share and helps with portion control, preventing overindulgence.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover Chicken Alfredo Casserole, do so gently to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming too dry. Cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on a lower power setting to avoid overheating.
Freeze for Future Enjoyment: To extend the shelf life of the casserole, consider freezing individual portions for future meals. Wrap the portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen casserole can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Thaw Properly: When ready to enjoy frozen casserole, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This ensures even thawing and helps preserve the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Before serving reheated leftovers, garnish with additional fresh herbs such as basil or thyme for a burst of flavor and brightness. This simple addition revitalizes the dish and gives it a fresh, homemade touch.
Customize with Toppings: Get creative with toppings by adding crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms before serving. These extra toppings add layers of texture and flavor to the casserole, elevating it to new heights of deliciousness.
Enjoy Cold or Hot: Chicken Alfredo Casserole can be enjoyed either hot or cold, making it a versatile option for meals on the go or picnics. Serve it chilled as a refreshing summer dish or warm it up for a comforting winter meal—it’s delicious either way!