Irresistibly Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe

Creamy chicken alfredo pasta casserole represents the ultimate comfort food for families craving rich, indulgent flavors.

Warm, hearty meals like these upgrade ordinary dinners into memorable experiences with minimal effort.

Combining classic Italian-inspired ingredients, this dish brings together tender protein, smooth sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful package.

Homemade casseroles offer a fantastic way to simplify weeknight cooking while delivering restaurant-quality satisfaction.

Cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts will appreciate the luxurious blend of textures and harmonious seasonings in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress, this casserole elevates simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.

With its golden, crispy top and velvety interior, you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

What Sets Alfredo Casserole Apart

• Seafood Fusion Casserole: Replace chicken with a medley of shrimp, scallops, and crab meat for an oceanic twist on the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Green Delight: Swap chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers to create a hearty plant-based version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap part of the Alfredo sauce with salsa for a zesty, southwestern-inspired casserole.
• Truffle Mushroom Edition: Incorporate wild mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil to elevate the dish with luxurious earthy flavors and rich complexity.

How to Make Penne Bake

• Savor Hands-Off Comfort: This one-dish wonder eliminates multiple cooking steps, letting you simply mix ingredients and bake, making weeknight dinners incredibly stress-free and delicious.
• Unlock Creamy Texture Magic: The combination of Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, and melted cheeses creates an irresistibly smooth, velvety pasta casserole that delivers restaurant-quality creaminess right at home.
• Transform Leftover Chicken into Gourmet Meal: Easily repurpose cooked chicken into a luxurious, family-pleasing dish that feels like a special occasion meal without requiring advanced cooking skills or extensive preparation time.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Swap proteins, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to personalize this versatile casserole and keep mealtime exciting and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Tips for Sausage Penne Bake

• Pasta: Classic base for a comforting casserole, choose a short shape like penne or rotini for better sauce coating.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance, use boneless skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender texture.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy base that provides rich flavor, store-bought or homemade works well.
• Chicken Stock: Helps cook pasta and adds depth of flavor, low-sodium version recommended for better control of salt.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates golden brown topping with stretchy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, freshly grated provides more intense flavor than pre-packaged.
• Fresh Herbs: Optional garnish that brings brightness and color, parsley or basil work great.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking phase, covers casserole to prevent drying out.

Keeping Penne Bake Fresh

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). Get ready for some delicious baking magic.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Alfredo sauce
• Chicken stock
• Diced chicken
• Minced garlic

Stir everything together so each pasta piece gets a luxurious sauce coating. Wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in all those mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Bake the Pasta

Slide the covered dish into the hot oven and bake for 30 minutes. After the timer dings, pull out the dish, give it a good stir, and check the pasta’s tenderness. If the pasta needs more time, re-cover and continue baking until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 4: Create a Cheesy Topping

Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the casserole. Pop it back in the oven, this time uncovered, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Watch the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

For an extra flavor boost, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs on top. Serve the casserole steaming hot and get ready to dive into a creamy, comforting meal that’ll make everyone at the table happy.

Serving Sausage Penne Bake

• Boost Pasta Absorption: Soak uncooked pasta in the sauce mixture for 10-15 minutes before baking to help it absorb more flavor and ensure even cooking.
• Prevent Dryness: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil during initial baking to lock in moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry or crispy.
• Check Pasta Texture: Stir the casserole midway through cooking to distribute heat evenly and test the pasta's doneness, adjusting baking time as needed.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Sprinkle cheese in the last 8-10 minutes of baking to achieve a perfectly golden, melted topping without burning.
• Flavor Enhancement: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the dish and introduce a fresh, aromatic element to the creamy casserole.

Different Ways to Make Penne Bake

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store cooled casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness. Refrigerated pasta will stay delicious for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen casserole can last up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore moisture and creamy texture. Stir gently halfway through reheating to ensure even warmth. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve the casserole's original texture and flavor.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Italian Sausage Penne Bake Fresh and Tasty

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy alfredo sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect accompaniment, helping to soak up the extra sauce and adding a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the casserole's heaviness, bringing brightness and freshness to the plate.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: A zesty, palate-cleansing lemon sorbet serves as an excellent dessert, helping to refresh the taste buds after the rich, creamy pasta dish.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole combines Italian-inspired comfort with hearty home cooking. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
• 3 cups chicken stock (or substitute with chicken broth)

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)
• Optional garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 22-ounce jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 2 ½ cups)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
• Optional garnish: Chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C), creating the ideal baking temperature for the casserole.
2. In a spacious baking vessel, amalgamate uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, diced chicken, and minced garlic, ensuring thorough sauce coating across all ingredients. Securely seal the dish with aluminum foil to preserve moisture during initial cooking phases.
3. Transfer the covered dish into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 30 minutes. Carefully remove the dish, gently stir the contents, and assess pasta doneness. If pasta remains slightly firm, reseal and continue baking until achieving the perfect tender consistency.
4. Once pasta reaches optimal texture, generously distribute shredded mozzarella cheese across the casserole’s surface. Return the uncovered dish to the oven, baking for an additional 8-10 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.
5. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicately chopped herbs. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth, allowing diners to experience the luxurious, creamy essence of this comforting casserole.

Notes

• One-Dish Wonder saves time by combining all ingredients in a single baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup.
• Moisture Matters: Covering the casserole with foil during initial baking prevents pasta from drying out and ensures even cooking.
• Cheese Precision requires checking pasta doneness before adding mozzarella to guarantee perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• Flexible Protein allows easy substitution of chicken with turkey, shrimp, or vegetarian alternatives like tofu or roasted vegetables.
• Smart Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days, reheating beautifully in the microwave or oven with a splash of extra stock to restore creaminess.
• Herb Enhancement transforms the dish by sprinkling fresh parsley, basil, or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg