Description
Comforting chicken alfredo casserole brings creamy Italian-inspired magic to dinner tables everywhere. Rich layers of pasta, tender chicken, and velvety sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal baking atmosphere.
- Cook pasta until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente state, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Activate a large skillet and introduce butter, allowing it to melt smoothly over medium heat.
- Infuse the melted butter with minced garlic, sautéing until an aromatic fragrance emerges.
- Create a luxurious liquid base by incorporating heavy cream and milk, gently stirring to harmonize the ingredients.
- Elevate the sauce by introducing Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Nurture the sauce, stirring consistently until the cheese dissolves and the mixture transforms into a velvety consistency.
- Refine the flavor profile by seasoning with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Construct the casserole by combining cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, and the decadent Alfredo sauce in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Distribute the creamy mixture into a pre-greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, ensuring even coverage.
- Optional: Enhance the top layer with an additional sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for extra indulgence.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble enthusiastically.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant finishing touch.
- Serve immediately while the casserole remains piping hot and irresistibly creamy.
Notes
- Check pasta doneness by biting a piece, ensuring it’s slightly firm but not hard to prevent mushy texture during baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation and added flavor depth without extra cooking time.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color contrast in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 715
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg