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.

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)

Description

This creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Casserole combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection. It's a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, featuring melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese for an irresistible cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

16 ounce box penne pasta
2 Tablespoons olive oil
3 cups cubed chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

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

Cheese Toppings

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
1 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided use)

Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare Alfredo Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the Alfredo sauce, softened cream cheese, whole milk, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the Alfredo sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Add Cheese to the Mixture: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and half of the grated parmesan cheese (½ cup) into the pasta mixture.
Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup parmesan cheese.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh or dried parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute rotini or rigatoni pasta if penne is unavailable.
If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cream cheese.
Fresh garlic can be swapped with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Leftover casserole reheats well and tastes delicious the next day.
Adding steamed broccoli or spinach before baking can add a healthy vegetable boost.
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing with the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
Calories: 490 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg