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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C), creating the ideal baking temperature for the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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