Description
This creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked pasta dish that combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and delivers classic Italian-American flavors with a satisfying baked finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz (450g) penne pasta
- 15 oz (425g) jar Alfredo sauce
- ¼ cup milk
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bite-sized chicken pieces until they are no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Mix the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken mixture, drained pasta, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the milk. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Assemble & Bake: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
- For extra creaminess, add a bit more milk or a splash of heavy cream to the casserole mix.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To add some vegetables, consider stirring in cooked broccoli or spinach before baking.
