If you’re looking for a dinner that will impress everyone at the table, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is it! Perfectly rich and satisfying, it brings together tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a homemade Alfredo sauce topped with melted cheese for a warm, comforting meal that’s hard to resist. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
What Makes This Chicken Alfredo Casserole Special?
This dish takes all the best parts of a classic chicken Alfredo and transforms it into a casserole that’s easy to share and serve. By layering succulent chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melted cheese, you get an indulgent yet approachable meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Plus, the golden, bubbly cheese topping adds a satisfying texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to bring this creamy, cheesy casserole to life:
- Penne pasta: Cooks to the perfect texture to hold up the creamy sauce.
- Chicken tenderloin: Lean and tender, it’s ideal for this recipe.
- Alfredo sauce: Use a high-quality store-bought or homemade Alfredo for rich, creamy flavor.
- Cream cheese: Adds extra creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, golden topping.
- Butter: Helps infuse the garlic and adds flavor to the chicken.
- Minced garlic: For a little aromatic depth.
- Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning: Basic but essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
- Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when you are. - Cook the Pasta
Boil your penne until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside. Al dente pasta holds up best in a casserole, staying firm after baking. - Sauté the Chicken
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add your chicken tenderloin pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is golden and cooked through. - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the Alfredo sauce with cream cheese. Stir over low heat until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is velvety smooth. - Layer the Casserole
In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and finish with a layer of Parmesan cheese. - Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. - Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot. This casserole is delicious with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some vegetables? Toss in broccoli florets, spinach, or peas for added color and nutrition.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken tenderloins from scratch.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
- Extra Creamy Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the Alfredo sauce recipe for an even richer dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a surefire hit for any occasion. Its simple steps make it a breeze to prepare, and the results are nothing short of restaurant-quality comfort food. The next time you’re craving something cozy and indulgent, whip up this casserole and watch it become an instant classic at your table!
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Description
Indulge in this creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole, a rich and satisfying dish perfect for any family gathering or weeknight dinner. Succulent pieces of chicken tenderloin are combined with a luscious Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and a golden layer of cheese. Finished with a touch of fresh parsley, this comforting meal is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Penne pasta
Chicken tenderloin
Alfredo sauce
Cream cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Butter
Minced garlic
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the chicken tenderloin pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
In a saucepan, combine the Alfredo sauce and cream cheese. Stir over low heat until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Layer the Casserole:
In a baking dish, combine the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture, stirring to combine. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and finish with a layer of Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve hot!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6-8