If you are craving something rich, comforting, and totally irresistible, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chunks of chicken mingling with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a luscious blend of Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, and garlic—baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This dish strikes the ideal balance between creamy and cheesy, with a gentle touch of Italian herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners or any weeknight when you want something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this casserole has a special role, keeping the flavors simple yet indulgent, the texture creamy yet satisfying, and the color invitingly golden and appetizing. Once you gather these staples, you’ll see just how effortlessly this dish comes together.
- 16 ounce box penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken just right while adding subtle richness.
- 3 cups cubed chicken breasts: Tender and juicy pieces that deliver hearty protein.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce.
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that makes this casserole utterly indulgent.
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened: Adds an extra smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens and balances the richness perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces a fragrant flavor boost.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that rounds out the flavors with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts beautifully to create that signature cheesy top layer.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Provides a savory, tangy kick that complements the creaminess.
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley, for garnish (optional): Brings a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures that your casserole won’t stick and will have an easy release after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Penne Pasta
Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente—just tender enough to provide a slight bite without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid any watery casserole.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until each piece is golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful base with juicy chicken pieces that meld beautifully with the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until the mixture is silky smooth and combined. This sauce is where the magic happens, giving the casserole its signature creamy texture and full-bodied flavor.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken into the sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Then fold in one cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of grated Parmesan, which will help bind everything together perfectly during baking.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top for that irresistible golden crust. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture locked in while baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered bake allows the cheese on top to melt fully and bubble up with a gorgeous golden finish.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the hot casserole to add a wonderful burst of color and a hint of freshness. Now it’s ready to dig into—creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few fresh basil leaves instantly uplifts the visual appeal while adding a subtle herbaceous lift that balances the richness of the casserole. For an extra touch, cracked black pepper can be freshly ground on top right before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and fresh to complement the richness of this casserole. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus work beautifully. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs perfectly if you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this casserole feel extra special, serve it in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the pasta and sauce layers for added texture and color. For a fun twist, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from drying out. Before reheating, let it come to room temperature for even warming.
Freezing
You can freeze this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply add extra time and bake covered until hot throughout. If freezing after baking, slice into portions to reheat more easily.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, or microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through to keep the creaminess intact. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help restore the luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even bowtie pasta depending on what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli to bulk up the casserole. You could also add plant-based protein alternatives to keep it satisfying.
Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of jarred?
Definitely. Homemade Alfredo sauce will give your casserole a fresher, more personalized flavor. Just be sure to keep the consistency similar—rich and creamy—to maintain that comforting texture.
What’s the best way to make the casserole less rich?
You can swap out whole milk for a lighter option like 2% milk, and cut back a bit on the cream cheese. Using reduced-fat cheese can also help lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of penne. Most gluten-free varieties cook similarly, so just follow package instructions. Ensure your Alfredo sauce and any other packaged ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes when you want something comforting, delicious, and a little indulgent. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a regular at your dinner table. I can’t wait for you to try this dish and feel that satisfying blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite. Trust me, once you do, it’ll be a recipe you come back to again and again!
Print
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole combines tender penne pasta, juicy cubed chicken breasts, and a rich Alfredo sauce blended with cream cheese and milk. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty baked dish is perfect for a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounce box penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups cubed chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. 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 black pepper. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the bowl with sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Mix in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo casserole.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cream cheese.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered to prevent drying.
- To add vegetables, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
