Description

This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked pasta dish combining tender cooked chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and optional peas, it offers a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners. Easy to prepare and bake, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser with a golden bubbly cheese topping.

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 and Extras

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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Cook chicken with seasonings: Add the cooked chicken, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors and warm the chicken.
Mix casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, the chicken mixture, and frozen peas if using. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat everything in the sauce.
Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the mixed casserole ingredients into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top the mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Rest and garnish: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, consider using reduced-fat cheeses and Alfredo sauce.
Frozen peas can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.
This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.