Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling hot casserole where tender pasta and juicy chicken are enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce with a golden, crispy topping. This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole transforms the classic Italian-American favorite into a comforting baked dish perfect for family dinners. The velvety sauce clings to every bite, while melted cheese creates those irresistible stretchy pulls that make casseroles so satisfying. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish with simple ingredients while achieving restaurant-quality flavor in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation for several compelling reasons. First, it combines everyone’s favorite comfort foods—pasta, creamy sauce, and chicken—into one delicious, hearty dish. The contrast between the crispy, golden cheese topping and the creamy, tender pasta underneath creates a delightful textural experience with every bite.

What makes this casserole special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight meals. The make-ahead potential is perfect for busy families—prepare it earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when needed.

The recipe uses staple ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, making it budget-friendly and accessible. Plus, the one-pan approach means fewer dishes to clean afterward. The creamy baked pasta casserole offers the familiar flavors of classic Alfredo but with added depth from the baking process, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully and develop a golden, bubbling top that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients

For this decadent Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole, you’ll need:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta or other short pasta
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup (112g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon (2g) dried Italian herbs
• ¼ teaspoon (1g) nutmeg (freshly grated is best)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The combination of Parmesan and mozzarella creates the perfect cheese blend for this creamy baked pasta dish, while the nutmeg adds that authentic depth to the Alfredo sauce that makes it truly special.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pasta Shape
For the best Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole, select pasta shapes that capture and hold the creamy sauce. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully because their ridges and hollow centers trap the sauce, ensuring flavorful bites throughout. Always cook the pasta 1-2 minutes shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing a mushy final result.

Perfect Your Roux Technique
The foundation of a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce is a properly executed roux. Cook the butter and flour mixture for at least 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown. When adding the milk and cream, pour slowly while whisking constantly. This gradual addition prevents lumps and creates a silky-smooth sauce. If you notice any lumps forming, remove from heat briefly and whisk vigorously until smooth.

Create Flavor Layers
Elevate your casserole by building flavor at every stage. Season the chicken properly before cooking, and don’t rush the browning process—those golden bits create depth of flavor. When making the sauce, allow the garlic to become fragrant in the butter before adding flour. Finally, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes after baking; this setting time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency, making serving much easier.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta for about 2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. You want it slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta, toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Season the chicken cubes with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Alfredo Sauce
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in 1½ cups of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the remaining salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The sauce should be velvety and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Combine the cooked pasta and chicken in your prepared baking dish. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the edges are bubbling. For an extra golden top, switch to broil for the final 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Alfredo Casserole
Transform your Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole into a more nutritious meal by adding vegetables. Sauté 2 cups of broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or baby spinach before mixing with the pasta and sauce. For a beautiful presentation, layer roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes throughout the casserole to add bright pops of color and tangy flavor that balance the creamy sauce perfectly.

Seafood Alfredo Twist
For an elegant variation, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of cleaned shrimp or a combination of shrimp and scallops. Cook the seafood just until opaque (about 2-3 minutes) to avoid overcooking during baking. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright note that complements seafood beautifully. This seafood alfredo bake makes an impressive dish for special occasions.

Gluten-Free Option
Make this creamy pasta casserole accessible for those with dietary restrictions by using gluten-free pasta (corn and rice blends hold up best in casseroles) and substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. The taste remains deliciously indulgent while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If using a microwave, add a splash of milk to prevent the sauce from drying out and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture results.

For serving, pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

Why did my Alfredo sauce turn out grainy?
A grainy sauce typically results from adding the cheese when the sauce is too hot or adding it all at once. To avoid this, remove the sauce from heat, let it cool slightly, and slowly incorporate the cheese while whisking constantly.

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube approximately 3 cups of meat and add it directly to the casserole. This alternative adds a deeper flavor profile to your dish.

How can I make this casserole lighter?
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, use part-skim mozzarella, and increase the ratio of chicken to pasta. You can also add extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutrition.

My casserole seems too dry after baking. What went wrong?
Dryness usually occurs from overcooking the pasta initially or baking the casserole too long. Remember to undercook the pasta and ensure your sauce is slightly thinner than you’d typically serve, as it will thicken during baking.

Conclusion

This Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and filled with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and adaptability; make it your own with various add-ins or enjoy the classic version in all its creamy glory. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the heartwarming touch that only homemade food can provide.

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