Description
This Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. It’s perfect for a satisfying family meal, offering cheesy goodness and protein-packed flavor all in one casserole dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Dairy
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Produce
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pasta & Seasoning
- 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prepare it for baking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bite-sized chicken pieces until they are no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Remove from heat once done.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken and onion-garlic mixture with the drained pasta. Stir in the Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the milk. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce.
- Assemble & Bake: Transfer the noodle and chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
- For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella and low-fat Alfredo sauce.
- You can add steamed broccoli or spinach to the casserole for added vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken and onions.
