Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender cooked chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden perfection. This family-friendly one-dish meal is quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite veggies or cheeses, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (substitute gluten-free pasta)
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or your preferred pasta, cooked al dente
Alfredo Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1 cup broccoli florets or
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Herbs & Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Shred or dice cooked chicken. If using vegetables like broccoli or spinach, chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce (if homemade): In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly add heavy cream and heat gently. Gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss cooked pasta with shredded chicken, optional vegetables, and Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.
- Bake Until Golden: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly browned. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and avoid excessive sauce to prevent sogginess.
- For texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Allow casserole to rest before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken Alfredo casserole, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, baked Alfredo pasta, family-friendly casserole, weeknight dinner