If you’ve ever been on the hunt for a comforting, fuss-free dinner that feels a little fancy but comes together in no time, then you’re going to love what I’m sharing today. This Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is truly a game changer. I absolutely love how creamy and cheesy it turns out, and the best part? You use uncooked pasta right in the casserole, so it practically cooks itself in the oven. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a dinner repeat in your house.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, which means less cleanup – a total win in my book.
- Ready in Under an Hour: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes – perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Family Favorite Flavors: Creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and gooey mozzarella make this casserole irresistible to kids and adults alike.
- Flexible and Adaptable: Use whatever cooked chicken you have on hand and customize with your favorite herbs and cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together like old friends—simple, dependable, and super flavorful. When shopping, I like to grab a good-quality jar of Alfredo sauce because it really makes this dish shine without extra fuss.
- Uncooked rotini pasta: The spiral shape traps sauce beautifully, making every bite creamy and luscious.
- Alfredo sauce: A jarred sauce works perfectly here, but if you’re feeling adventurous, homemade is always a treat.
- Chicken stock: Adds depth to the sauce and helps cook the pasta right in the casserole.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for quick prep; it’s flavorful and already shredded or diced.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor — don’t skip it!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend: Melts wonderfully to create that irresistible bubbly topping.
- Optional garnish (Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs): Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a pretty pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or special occasions. It’s so forgiving that you can swap ingredients around without a hitch.
- Swap the pasta: I’ve used penne or farfalle when I didn’t have rotini, and it still tastes amazing.
- Add veggies: I often toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach for a nutritious upgrade that my family totally doesn’t mind.
- Use different cheese: For a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of shredded Parmesan or Asiago into the mix before baking.
- Make it spicy: A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes stirred in gives it a nice subtle kick.
How to Make Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Combine Everything and Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. In a large baking dish, simply toss your uncooked rotini pasta with the jar of Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, cooked chicken, and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is evenly coated and submerged in liquid. Cover the dish tightly with foil – this helps steam the pasta and keeps it nice and moist. Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. I learned the hard way that skipping the foil leads to dry edges, so definitely cover it!
Step 2: Check Pasta, Then Add Cheese
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and stir. The pasta should be nearly al dente — still a little firm but cooked enough to keep cooking later without getting mushy. If it’s still hard, don’t worry; just pop it back in covered for another 10 minutes. When it’s close to perfect, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.
Step 3: Finish Baking Uncovered
Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cheese melts into a golden layer that adds that signature Alfredo richness. Be sure to keep an eye so it doesn’t burn – gooey, melted cheese is your goal, not crispy burnt bits (unless you really enjoy those, then no judgment!).
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh burst of flavor and a beautiful finish. This also gives it a slightly brighter taste that balances the creamy sauce.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s juicy, already cooked, and saves you tons of time without sacrificing flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering helps the pasta steam and cook evenly without drying out the sauce.
- Check Pasta Texture: Aim for pasta that’s slightly undercooked before adding cheese to avoid mushy results.
- Let it Rest a Few Minutes: After baking, letting the casserole sit helps thicken the sauce and makes scooping easier.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for that pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes I even add a tiny drizzle of good olive oil right before serving to make it extra indulgent.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness. I also love serving it alongside garlic bread – it’s the kind of combo that makes everyone at the table happy and slightly obsessed.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins instead of one big dish. It looks elegant and makes portioning a breeze. Another idea is to sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the cheese before baking for a crunchy topping that’s out of this world.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, it’s best to add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened too much. This keeps everything creamy and tender without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole several times with good results. Just skip baking, then wrap well with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, bake covered at 375°F until bubbly and cooked through, adding cheese at the end. Freezing saves you a dinner emergency!
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes, covered, to keep moisture locked in. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings with a small drizzle of liquid added to keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pasta instead of rotini?
Fresh pasta tends to cook much faster and might become mushy using this baking method. I recommend sticking with dried rotini or similar pasta shapes for best results.
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Is it okay to substitute Alfredo sauce with homemade sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce will work beautifully here. Just make sure it’s somewhat thick, so the casserole doesn’t become too watery as it bakes.
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Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Just swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers to keep it hearty and delicious without meat.
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How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked?
After the initial 30-minute bake, the pasta should be firm but not crunchy — just nearly al dente, since it finishes cooking in the last uncovered bake. Give it a stir and taste a piece to check.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe has become one of those kitchen lifesavers I turn to when I want something cozy, cheesy, and satisfying without fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights but elegant enough to serve guests, and honestly, my whole family goes crazy for it every time. Give it a try — I’m betting it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too. Once you’ve mastered this, don’t be afraid to start tweaking it your way; that’s half the fun. Happy cooking!
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Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Alfredo Casserole combines tender rotini pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and hearty shredded chicken in a simple bake that’s full of rich flavor. With minimal prep and one-dish cooking, it’s an easy weeknight meal perfect for families and busy cooks alike. The casserole is baked until the pasta is perfectly al dente and topped with melty mozzarella cheese, then optionally garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (22 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce (or 1 ½ 15-ounce jars), approximately 2 ½ cups total
- 3 cups chicken stock or chicken broth
Protein & Flavorings
- 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
Cheese & Garnish
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
- Optional garnish: Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and assemble: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, shredded chicken, and minced garlic. Stir everything well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking softens the pasta while allowing flavors to meld.
- Check and stir: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and stir the casserole. Check the pasta’s doneness—it should be almost al dente but still firm, with some liquid remaining. If the pasta is still too firm, cover again and continue baking until al dente, typically up to 10 more minutes.
- Add cheese: Once the pasta is nearly done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Final bake: Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts fully and the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture without being mushy.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley over the casserole before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Prep time is only about 10 minutes, making this an easy and speedy bake.
- This recipe requires just one dish, which simplifies cleanup.
- If your pasta is too firm after the initial baking time, add additional baking time in 5-minute increments, covered, to reach desired tenderness.
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation, but any cooked chicken works well.
- Feel free to customize cheese types—Italian blends or mozzarella both melt well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 499 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1056 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg