Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Alfredo Casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce baked with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy-to-make casserole includes optional peas for added color and nutrition, finished with fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Cook Chicken and Season: Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2 minutes to warm the chicken and blend the flavors.
- Combine Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, the chicken and garlic mixture, and frozen peas if using. Stir everything together well to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top as an optional garnish for freshness and color.
Notes
- Use penne or rotini pasta as they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for Alfredo sauce and reduce the cheese toppings.
- Frozen peas add a nice pop of color and sweetness but can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
- For a homemade Alfredo sauce, use butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese cooked until thickened.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
