Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering creamy chicken alfredo casserole that promises pure culinary bliss.

Cheesy, rich layers merge tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta in a decadent sauce that melts in your mouth.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each forkful combines classic Italian-inspired ingredients that dance together in harmony.

The creamy sauce creates a luxurious blanket over succulent chicken and al dente noodles, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Subtle herbs and golden, crispy edges make this casserole a showstopper that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible dish and watch it become an instant dinner favorite.

Tools Checklist for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Equipment & Tools:
  • Baking Dish (11 x 7-inch): Perfect for layering all the delicious ingredients and creating that golden, bubbly casserole.
  • Medium Bowls (2): Essential for mixing spinach with pesto and combining Alfredo sauce with chicken broth.
  • Large Bowl: Great for mixing pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce together.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping fresh basil and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps slice basil and chop ingredients precisely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.

Steps to Bake Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen buddy (the oven) toasty and ready at 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for our delicious casserole.

  • Spinach Fusion

Gently massage pesto into chopped spinach, creating a vibrant green mixture bursting with herbal goodness.

  • Sauce Symphony

Blend Alfredo sauce and chicken broth into a silky, creamy liquid that will hug every ingredient.

  • Layering Magic

Start building your casserole like an edible art project. Create delicious layers of pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce in a baking dish.

  • Cheese Crown

Sprinkle mozzarella on top, transforming the casserole into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that will make mouths water.

  • Final Flourish

After baking, shower the casserole with fresh basil and a whisper of paprika, adding color and excitement to your culinary creation.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Protein Power: Swap rotisserie chicken with grilled shrimp, ground turkey, or plant-based protein for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
  • Veggie Boost: Add roasted bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to increase nutrition and create more complex flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, rice, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
  • Cheese Adventure: Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina, parmesan, or gouda to elevate the casserole's richness and add unexpected depth to the dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How to Serve Chicken Alfredo Casserole at Dinner

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and make this casserole the star of your weekly family meal. Serve with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying dinner experience.
  • Potluck Party Platter: Bring this cheesy chicken casserole to your next community gathering or potluck. It travels well, feeds a crowd, and will definitely be a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this casserole ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for an easy weeknight dinner. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat, and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal that tastes like it took hours to make.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy flavors of this casserole with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay. The wine's acidity will balance the dish's creamy texture and enhance the overall dining experience.

Prepping and Saving Chicken Alfredo Casserole

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic Trick: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. For entire dish, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through, preventing dry edges.
  • Meal Prep Genius: Assemble casserole in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then follow original recipe instructions. Perfect for busy weeknights or planning ahead.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Breakdown for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

For Base and Binding:
  • Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutrient-packed freshness to the casserole, select crisp and bright leaves without wilting.
  • Pesto Sauce: Infuses rich herbal flavor and helps bind ingredients, choose a high-quality refrigerated version for maximum taste.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creates creamy foundation and adds luxurious texture, pick a brand with authentic Italian-style ingredients.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances moisture and deepens overall flavor profile, opt for low-sodium version for better control of salt content.
For Protein and Texture:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Provides tender, pre-cooked protein with excellent flavor, select warm, freshly prepared chicken for best results.
  • Penne Pasta: Delivers substantial base and absorbs sauce beautifully, choose pasta with ridged surface for better sauce adherence.
For Topping and Finishing:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and creates golden-brown crispy top, select low-moisture variety for optimal melting.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds bright, aromatic garnish with complex herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves without dark spots.
  • Paprika: Introduces subtle warmth and attractive color sprinkle, use sweet or smoked variety based on preference.
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Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Ultimate Chicken Alfredo Casserole


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4.7 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Home cooks adore this chicken alfredo casserole as a comforting classic pasta dish blending tender chicken, rich sauce, and melted cheese. Hearty portions guarantee satisfaction when you gather around the dinner table with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • 2.5 cups (590 ml) chopped rotisserie chicken
  • 4 oz (113 g) pre-shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
  • 1 (6 oz/170 g) package fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 (15 oz/425 g) jar alfredo sauce
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) refrigerated pesto sauce
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) thinly sliced fresh basil
  • ¼ tsp paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat Culinary Canvas: Warm the oven to 375°F, establishing an inviting atmosphere for gastronomic creation.
  2. Flavor Foundation: Blend spinach with pesto, ensuring each verdant leaf is thoroughly coated with aromatic essence.
  3. Sauce Symphony: Whisk Alfredo sauce and chicken broth into a silky, uniform mixture that promises rich undertones.
  4. Dish Preparation: Lightly spray baking dish and spread initial Alfredo layer, creating a creamy base for layering.
  5. Layering Technique: Construct alternating strata of spinach, chicken-pasta mixture, and Alfredo sauce, building complex flavor dimensions.
  6. Cheese Transformation: Generously scatter mozzarella across the casserole’s surface, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling crown.
  7. Final Flourish: Bake for 35 minutes until edges turn crisp and cheese becomes seductively molten, then garnish with fresh basil and a delicate paprika dusting.

Notes

  • Prep Workspace Strategically: Preheat oven precisely to 375°F for consistent cooking and optimal flavor development.
  • Layer Carefully: Create distinct, even layers to ensure balanced taste and texture throughout the casserole.
  • Moisture Management: Use rotisserie chicken to maintain moisture and prevent dryness while adding rich, pre-cooked flavor.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Add mozzarella in the final minutes to achieve perfect golden-brown, bubbling surface without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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