Velvety Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe

Luscious Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Pasta lovers unite over this mouthwatering creamy chicken alfredo pasta casserole that promises pure comfort in every single bite.

The rich, velvety sauce weaves through tender pasta and succulent chicken, creating a symphony of flavors.

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings restaurant-quality magic straight to your dinner table.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy cheese, perfectly seasoned chicken, and al dente pasta.

Weekend meals or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will absolutely fall in love with this indulgent, easy-to-make casserole that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to wow everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

Start With These for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

For Pasta and Base:
  • Uncooked Pasta: Select medium-sized pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that brings luxurious richness and smooth texture to the entire casserole.
  • Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook pasta while maintaining moisture throughout baking process.
For Protein and Aromatics:
  • Diced Chicken: Lean protein that provides substantial and satisfying element to the dish, best when pre-cooked for consistent tenderness.
  • Minced Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire casserole's taste profile.
For Cheese and Finishing:
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Creates golden, melty topping that adds beautiful visual appeal and creamy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty notes that complement the rich Alfredo base, best when freshly grated.
  • Fresh Herbs: Brings bright, fresh finishing touch that cuts through the casserole's richness and adds vibrant color.

Prep Tool Needed for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

  • Large Baking Dish: Essential for mixing and baking the entire casserole.
  • Aluminum Foil: Crucial for covering the dish during initial baking to retain moisture.
  • Cheese Grater: Needed for shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan.
  • Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and checking pasta doneness.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for dicing chicken and chopping herbs.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.

How You’ll Cook Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

  • Oven Warmup

Get your kitchen ready by heating the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your pasta adventure.

  • Casserole Symphony

Grab a big baking dish and create a delicious melody by mixing uncooked pasta, silky Alfredo sauce, savory chicken stock, tender chicken pieces, and aromatic garlic. Wrap the dish snugly with aluminum foil to lock in all those mouthwatering flavors.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the covered dish into the warm oven and let it transform for 30 minutes. Peek inside, give everything a gentle stir, and check if the pasta has reached that perfect tender-yet-firm stage.

  • Cheesy Crown

Once the pasta looks dreamy, sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella across the top. Return to the oven without the foil and let the cheese melt into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

  • Final Flourish

Before serving, dance some Parmesan and fresh herbs over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Bring this comforting dish to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Make It Better: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Tweaks & Ideas

  • Mix in colorful vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and add vibrant texture to the dish.
  • Replace chicken with cooked shrimp, ground turkey, or crispy bacon for exciting flavor variations that keep the meal interesting and versatile.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Alfredo sauce is free from wheat-based thickeners to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Enhance the flavor profile by adding red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or a dash of smoked paprika to create a personalized and more complex taste experience.

Best Ways to Plate Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

  • Serve with Fresh Salad: Pair the creamy chicken Alfredo pasta casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy dish.
  • Create Family-Style Meal: Present the casserole in the baking dish at the center of the table, letting everyone scoop their own portion for a cozy, communal dining experience.
  • Add Garlic Bread Sidekick: Toast some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to complement the creamy pasta, perfect for soaking up extra sauce and adding a delightful crunch.
  • Enhance with Wine Pairing: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully cut through the creamy texture and elevate the overall meal.

Keep It Fresh: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Storage Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Prep ingredients like chicken and cheese the night before to streamline cooking and save precious morning time.
  • Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors sealed and fresh.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for convenient meals within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm single servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore entire casserole's original creamy texture by covering with foil and heating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
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Velvety Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe

Velvety Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken alfredo pasta casserole masterpiece. Cheesy layers of pasta and tender chicken create a memorable dining experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups chicken stock (or substitute with chicken broth)
  • 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
  • 22 fl oz jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 2 ½ cups)
  • 1 (16 oz) package uncooked rotini pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)
  • 2 tsps minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
  • Optional garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional garnish: Chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), establishing an optimal cooking environment for the casserole’s transformation.
  2. Ingredient Fusion: Combine uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, diced chicken, and minced garlic in a spacious baking dish, ensuring comprehensive sauce distribution. Cover tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and promote even cooking.
  3. Initial Baking Phase: Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, gently stir the mixture, and evaluate pasta tenderness. If needed, continue baking until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
  4. Cheese Infusion: Liberally spread shredded mozzarella across the casserole’s surface, returning the uncovered dish to the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, effervescent blanket that promises rich, creamy indulgence.
  5. Finishing Touches: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and finely chopped herbs, creating a vibrant flavor profile. Serve immediately, capturing the essence of this luxurious, comforting culinary creation.

Notes

  • Prevent Pasta Dryness: Cover the dish tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and ensure perfectly cooked, tender pasta without hardening.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Wait until the final 8-10 minutes of baking to add mozzarella, creating a beautifully golden, bubbly cheese topping that doesn’t burn.
  • Liquid Balance Matters: Use precise liquid measurements to achieve the ideal sauce consistency – too little can cause dry pasta, while excess might result in soupy texture.
  • Fresh Herb Finishing: Sprinkle herbs just before serving to maximize their aromatic flavor and maintain vibrant color, transforming the casserole from good to gourmet.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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