Description
A comforting, creamy baked casserole filled with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Topped with melted cheese and herbs, it’s a family favorite perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne or rotini): 12 ounces – Holds sauce beautifully and stays firm in baking.
- Cooked Chicken (shredded or cubed): 3 cups – Adds protein and heartiness.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons – The base for a rich Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – Infuses the sauce with deep savory aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons – Helps thicken the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- Heavy Cream: 2 cups – Makes the sauce velvety and luscious.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup – Adds depth and balances the richness.
- Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): 1 1/2 cups – Sharp, salty, and essential to the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): 1 cup – Melts into gooey goodness in every bite.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon – Brings out all the savory notes.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon – Adds a mild kick.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Brings herbs and warmth to the dish.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): 2 tablespoons – Adds freshness and color.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in cream and broth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well. Pour into prepared dish. Top with mozzarella.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up warm and creamy—don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better flavor and melting.
- Undercook pasta slightly to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to help set the layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8th of casserole
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg