Description
Hearty chicken alfredo casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables across America. Creamy pasta layers with tender chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Cheese and Sauce:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by generously coating with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Combine tender, shredded chicken with cooked pasta in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour rich, creamy Alfredo sauce over the chicken and pasta, gently stirring to coat every morsel thoroughly.
- Incorporate sweet green peas throughout the mixture, adding a burst of color and subtle texture.
- Season the casserole blend with a delicate balance of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Liberally sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top, creating a tantalizing golden-brown crust.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a bubbling, golden surface.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to settle.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch before serving.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutrition.
- Boost protein content by adding extra grilled chicken or swapping some chicken with lean turkey for variety.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat Alfredo sauce and reduced-fat cheeses without compromising the creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, roasted bell peppers, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg