Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole – Easy & Cozy Dinner Idea

Name: Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounce box penne pasta; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 3 cups cubed chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce; 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup whole milk; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use); 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided use); Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional)

Nothing beats a comforting dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together without fuss. That’s exactly what this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe delivers — rich, cheesy, and perfect for when you want something cozy on the table fast.

A deep rectangular white baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake made of penne pasta and white sauce layered with melted cheese on top that is golden brown in some spots. There are small green herb leaves scattered over the surface adding color. A spoon lifts a portion from the dish, showing stretchy melted cheese strands and pieces of white meat mixed in the creamy sauce and pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a folded cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first stumbled upon this dish when craving something creamy and chicken-packed, but didn’t want to babysit a complicated sauce. It’s become my go-to for nights when I want to impress family or friends with little effort. Here’s why it’s special:

Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus fresh chicken, so no last-minute grocery runs needed.
Cheesy Comfort: That creamy alfredo sauce mixed with mozzarella and parmesan creates a rich yet balanced flavor.
Quick Prep: You’ll have everything mixed and ready to bake in about 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this casserole — it’s like all the good stuff in one dish.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient comes together to create that signature creamy, cheesy texture and savory taste we all crave. Plus, they’re easy to find, which makes this recipe a straightforward winner for anyone. Here’s what you need and why each item plays such an important role:

Flat lay of a small mound of uncooked penne pasta, a few raw cubed chicken breast pieces, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, an 8-ounce block of cream cheese, a small white bowl of smooth Alfredo sauce, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of dried Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white bowl of cracked black pepper, a modest pile of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, a modest pile of grated parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh bright green parsley all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic plate and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Penne Pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce well thanks to its tube shape — no bland bites here.
Olive Oil: For sautéing chicken gently without drying it out, giving a golden finish.
Chicken Breasts: The protein star, tender and mild, making it the perfect base for the alfredo flavor.
Alfredo Sauce (jarred): A huge time saver with consistent flavor; I’ve found good-quality brands that keep it creamy without extra work.
Cream Cheese: Adds velvety richness and helps the sauce cling to every pasta bite.
Whole Milk: Thins the sauce just enough so it’s luscious but not heavy.
Garlic: Freshly minced to bring that warm, aromatic punch.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that balances the richness with subtle earthiness.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: The mozzarella creates gooey meltiness, while parmesan boosts savory depth and that crave-worthy cheesy top.
Parsley (optional): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often tweak the creamy chicken alfredo casserole recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or our mood. It’s such a flexible dish that invites you to make it your own — don’t hesitate to get creative!

Variation: I like swapping penne for rigatoni or even bowtie pasta sometimes; it soaks up the sauce differently but tastes just as amazing.
Dietary Modifications: If you want to lighten it up, try using half-and-half instead of whole milk and reduce the cream cheese slightly — still creamy but less heavy.
Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and color that make the casserole a bit more balanced.
Make it Spicy: Throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing your sauce to warm things up a bit.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

This image shows a plate of creamy pasta with three main layers. The bottom layer is a white speckled plate with slight brown edges. On top, there is a thick layer of rigatoni pasta, pale yellow in color with a smooth, firm texture. The pasta is covered in a rich, white cream sauce with small black pepper flakes visible throughout. Scattered over the pasta and sauce are small pieces of cooked chicken that are light beige with a tender texture. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped green parsley on top. The entire setting is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

I always cook the penne just until al dente — that means it’s still got a little bite and holds up well during baking (you don’t want mushy pasta!). Drain it well and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook while you prep the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken until Golden and Juicy

Heat olive oil over medium heat and season your cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are fully cooked. This step locks in moisture and flavor—don’t rush it!

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together your jarred alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended. This combo gives you that extra creamy texture that makes this casserole irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese

Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into your sauce mixture. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese now so they melt into the sauce. This builds layers of cheesy flavor throughout the casserole, not just on top.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pour everything into a greased 9x13 baking dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes so the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully. Let it rest a few minutes before digging in.

Top Tip

Making this casserole has really taught me the importance of balancing moisture levels. Here are some tips to keep your dish creamy without ending up watery or overly thick—because that texture is everything!

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it al dente ensures the noodles finish perfectly in the casserole without turning mushy.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This helps it blend smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
Cover While Baking: Keeping it covered for most of the bake traps moisture so it stays creamy inside.
Add Cheese in Two Steps: Mixing some cheese into the sauce and reserving some for the topping gives you even melt and golden bubbly crust.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains a base layer of yellow penne pasta mixed with small, light brown pieces of cooked chicken. In the right bowl, on top of the pasta and chicken, there are two more layers: on the left side a mound of fine, pale beige grated parmesan cheese, and on the right side a pile of shredded white cheese. The texture of the pasta is smooth with a slight shine, and the chicken pieces are tender and slightly browned. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a lovely pop of color and just a hint of fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through all that cheesy richness. If you don’t have fresh, dried parsley works fine too!

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is pretty hearty, I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some steamed asparagus. A crisp side helps balance the indulgence and makes the meal feel well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes divide the casserole into mini ramekins for individual servings—perfect for a dinner party! You can also top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking for an extra crunchy texture that always impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the casserole airtight and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors deepen overnight, making the leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! Just cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly again.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F covered with foil, checking every 10 minutes. This keeps the sauce creamy without drying it out. Microwave works for quick reheats but can sometimes leave sauce separated, so oven is my preferred way.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and still delivers great flavor. Just shred or chop it and mix it into the sauce as usual.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover the casserole with foil for the first 25 minutes of baking to trap moisture. Also, don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture helps keep the dish nicely moist throughout baking.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cheeses and cream cheese for its signature creamy texture, so substituting dairy-free alternatives can be tricky. You might try dairy-free cream cheese and a dairy-free Alfredo sauce, but the texture and flavor will differ from the original.

Is it okay to use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work well. Just be mindful to cook them al dente as they’ll bake again in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe has become a favorite for good reason. It balances ease, comfort, and rich homemade flavor in a way that feels both special and accessible. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just craving a warm, cheesy dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try and make it yours—I promise, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way