This creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a cozy, comforting twist on the classic Alfredo pasta dish. Made with tender chunks of chicken, cheesy Alfredo sauce, and baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s surprisingly easy to throw together. I like how simple the ingredients are, and how the result feels like a hearty, indulgent meal that the whole family loves—kids included.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—without a ton of effort. It’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and it’s easily customizable depending on what I have in my pantry. Plus, I only need one casserole dish to bake it all together, which means fewer dishes to clean later.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

• 1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta

• ½ (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked, about 15 minutes. Drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.

3. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.

4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, Alfredo sauce, ½ of the mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.

5. Pour the mixture into a 1½-quart casserole dish.

6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the shredded Cheddar cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• I sometimes swap the penne for ziti, rotini, or even rigatoni depending on what I have.

• For extra flavor, I sauté chopped onions and garlic instead of using powders.

• If I want a little spice, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a handful of chopped jalapeños.

• Adding cooked spinach or broccoli gives it a nice color and an extra boost of veggies.

• For a different cheese profile, I like mixing in Italian blend cheese or Parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I microwave individual portions for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
If I’m reheating the entire casserole, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly before baking and freeze. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the chicken is no longer pink in the center and that the juices run clear. If I’m unsure, I use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep everything the day before, cover the dish with foil, and refrigerate it. When I’m ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven—sometimes adding an extra 5-10 minutes of bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?

Absolutely. When I’m short on time, I grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, shred it, and mix it right in.

What’s the best Alfredo sauce to use?

I use any jarred Alfredo sauce I like, but if I have time, I’ll make a homemade version with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. It adds an extra creamy texture and rich flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, I freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If it’s already baked, I reheat it covered in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is one of those easy dinners I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, comforting, and adaptable, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. I like how effortlessly it comes together and how satisfying it is for everyone at the table. Whether I make it fresh or pull it from the freezer, it’s always a hit.

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