Cheesy, creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is an irresistible family favorite! When you’re craving comfort food, this is it! It’s a make-ahead dump-and-bake dish great for potlucks, covered dish suppers, weeknight meals, or feeding a crowd.
And if you’re as obsessed with ooey-gooey cheesy pasta, you have to try my Baked Spaghetti, Pizza Pasta Casserole, or Taco Spaghetti Bake.
Every home cook must have a special dish to serve when guests come over yet simple enough to whip up when you want to gather your family around the supper table after a busy day. That’s where this Chicken Alfredo Bake shines! It’s a comfort food masterpiece that gets rave reviews every time I serve it!
Why You’ll Love This Dump And Bake Casserole
- Make-Ahead Friendly—You can prep this casserole up to 3 days in advance or freeze it for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for gifting to new parents or making a double batch for dinner (one to eat and one for later).
- Classic Comfort Food – This dish has everything you want from a casserole: cheese, pasta, and protein to make it hearty and delicious.
- Homemade Alfredo – My take on homemade Alfredo sauce is so easy and delicious that you’ll never buy the stuff in a jar again. It’s loaded with cheese and seasoned just as you like it, without any additives.
Chicken Alfredo Bake Ingredients
- This dish consists of penne pasta, cooked chicken, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Leftover or rotisserie chicken will also work, and it’s OK to use all cuts—chicken breast, thighs, etc.
- The sauce is made from butter, flour, garlic, nutmeg, milk, and heavy cream. Nutmeg is a classic French addition that adds lovely warm notes to the bake.
What Kind Of Pasta Is Best To Use?
You can substitute just about any pasta in this recipe. Ziti, farfalle, shells or rigatoni work great.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp.
- Add Veggies: Turn this into a chicken broccoli alfredo casserole by adding steamed broccoli. Other veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach are also yummy.
- Cheese Alternatives: Change the cheese by adding smoked gouda or grated romano.
- More Meat: Add in chopped cooked bacon, sausage or ham for a little extra meatiness.
Step By Step Instructions
- Prepare the Casserole: Cook the pasta, make the sauce, and prep the chicken.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the sauce over the pasta and chicken, mixing well. Pour all the ingredients into the prepared baking dish, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake It: Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is golden on top. Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish!
Frequently Asked Questions
I use a 3 to 4-quart baking pan. You can use a round, square, or rectangle pan that you have on hand. This casserole or bake also works beautifully in a metal disposable pan if you take it to a potluck or covered dish supper.
Yes, you sure can! I often make it the night before I want to serve it. I make the whole recipe, cover the dish with foil, and refrigerate it. When I want to serve it, I reheat it at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes.
Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap. It will stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What To Serve With Chicken Alfredo Pasta
For a quick and easy dinner, serve it with easy Roasted Broccoli, Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts, or Skillet Green Beans. For a hearty lunch, try it with this Carrot Apple Salad or Avocado Tomato Salad.
More Easy Comfort Food Recipes
If you tried this Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked pasta – 1 box cooked according to package directions
- 3 cups cooked chicken – chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons garlic – minced
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese – grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese – grated
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat a 3-4 quart baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Place cooked pasta and chicken in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add in milk, cream, nutmeg, and pepper.
- Add Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella. Stir until cheese has melted and sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over pasta and chicken. Mix well. Pour all ingredients into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve.
Notes
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- Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp.
-
- Add Veggies: Turn this into a chicken broccoli alfredo casserole by adding steamed broccoli. Other veggies like mushrooms, tomatoes, or spinach are also yummy.
-
- Cheese Alternatives: Change the cheese by adding smoked gouda or grated romano.
-
- More Meat: Add in chopped cooked bacon, sausage or ham for a little extra meatiness.
Nutrition
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Can I use jar alfredo sauce
You sure can! A good jar of Alfredo sauce works beautifully and makes this even easier to pull together. Just use your favorite brand and you are good to go.
XO, Donya