Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo casserole that combines tender pasta, seasoned chicken, and rich Alfredo sauce baked to perfection with melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Protein & Oils
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cubed chicken breasts
Sauces & Dairy
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
Seasonings & Spices
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Mix in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add a bit more cream cheese.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish for vibrant flavor, or dried parsley for convenience.
- You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
