Description
Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
For Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, cooked pasta, and ricotta cheese (if using). Stir until well mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 5: Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Chef’s Tip: For added flavor, mix in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy perfection!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof casserole. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook 12 oz of pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain. In your largest mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, 2 cups of cooked chicken, 2 cups of Alfredo sauce, and 1 cup of ricotta cheese (if using). Fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Next, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake on the center rack for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and has golden-brown spots.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, garlic breadsticks, or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. For a complete comfort-food dinner, a simple side of roasted cherry tomatoes adds a burst of freshness.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cook pasta al dente. Mix pasta with chicken, Alfredo sauce, and optional ricotta. Transfer to a greased dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake covered for 20 minutes at 375°F, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken? For maximum flavor, season and bake or pan-sear chicken breasts. Using a rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, time-saving alternative.
Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole? It’s possible, but the dairy-based sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
My casserole seems dry. What happened? The pasta likely absorbed too much sauce. Ensure you don’t overcook the pasta, and consider adding 1/4 cup of chicken broth or extra Alfredo sauce to the mixture before baking.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese? Cream cheese (softened), cottage cheese, or an additional 1/2 cup of Alfredo sauce are excellent substitutes for the ricotta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Pasta should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Mushy pasta ruins the texture.
- Not greasing the baking dish: This leads to difficult cleanup and stuck-on bits.
- Skipping the foil cover: Baking without the initial covered period can cause the cheese to brown too quickly while the inside remains cold.
- Using pre-shredded bagged cheese exclusively: While convenient, these cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. For best melt, grate your own block cheese.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining familiar flavors in an easy, crowd-pleasing format. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the tips on common mistakes, you can create a perfectly creamy, golden, and satisfying dish every time. Its versatility for make-ahead meals and simple ingredient swaps makes it a reliable staple for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. Dig in and enjoy the delicious, cheesy results of your effort.