Irresistible Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Dump and bake chicken alfredo casserole combines convenience with pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple one-pan miracle that practically cooks itself.

Creamy sauce and tender chicken meld together in a magical blend of flavors.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner ready in less than an hour.

No complicated steps or multiple pots to wash make this recipe a total game-changer.

Cheesy, rich, and incredibly satisfying, this casserole promises to become your new weeknight hero.

Dive in and experience how effortless delicious meals can be!

Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole Made Simple

• Simplify Cooking: Dump and bake method eliminates complex steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive preparation.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy Alfredo sauce combined with cheesy goodness creates a universally loved dish that satisfies picky eaters and hungry families alike.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe allows for quick customization by adding vegetables, changing cheese types, or swapping chicken for alternative proteins like turkey or shrimp.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: One-dish cooking means fewer pots and pans, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on post-meal cleaning.

Ingredients to Gather for Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken provides a lean and tender protein base for the casserole.

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and adds hearty texture to the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses create a rich, melty topping with complementary flavor profiles.

• Alfredo Sauce: A creamy white sauce that brings luxurious flavor and binds the casserole ingredients together.

• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: These dried spices enhance the overall savory taste of the casserole.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency in the casserole.

How to Assemble Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This warm temperature will help create a perfectly golden and bubbling casserole.

Step 2: Tender Chicken Prep

Place chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently.

Cook until the chicken is completely white throughout and juices run clear, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Pasta Perfection

Boil a pot of water with a pinch of salt.

Toss in penne pasta and cook until it’s soft but still has a slight bite, around 11 minutes. Drain the pasta once done.

Step 4: Chop Chicken

Let the cooked chicken cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces that will mix beautifully throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Mix Magic

• Cooked chicken chunks
• Drained pasta
• Alfredo sauce
• Half of the mozzarella cheese
• Milk
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Layer and Top

Pour the mixture into a 1.5-quart casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and create a smooth surface.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Cheddar cheese on top for a gorgeous cheesy crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. The aroma will have everyone rushing to the kitchen!

Pro Tips to Master Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Use low-sodium Alfredo sauce to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Shred rotisserie chicken as a quick time-saving alternative to boiling chicken breasts from scratch.
• Try different cheese combinations like adding parmesan or switching to a lighter cheese blend for variety.
• Add frozen vegetables like broccoli or peas directly into the mixture to boost nutritional value and introduce more color and texture to the casserole.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta and checking Alfredo sauce ingredients to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Variations on Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains creamy texture and nutritional balance.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Swap penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate option that reduces overall calorie content while keeping the rich Alfredo flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Alfredo sauce is certified gluten-free, making the casserole safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chiles, swap half the mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with extra kick.

Pairing Ideas with Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Create a zesty mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness, adding a fresh and tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add a nutritious and colorful element that brings freshness to the hearty casserole.

Storage Tips for Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if the sauce appears dry.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply pull the meat apart and mix it into the casserole ingredients.

• Is it okay to substitute different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is recommended, you can use other short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or shell pasta without changing the recipe’s overall texture and cooking process.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Assemble all ingredients in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior and then bake as directed.

Dump And Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty dump and bake chicken alfredo casserole delivers creamy comfort with minimal effort. Quick preparation and cheesy goodness make this meal perfect for busy home cooks craving a satisfying dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (226 g) Alfredo sauce
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (to be divided)
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 3 halves skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1 8-oz package penne pasta
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly baked casserole.
2. Poach chicken breasts in water, simmering until the meat is thoroughly cooked and loses its pink color, approximately 15 minutes.
3. While chicken cooks, boil penne pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture, about 11 minutes, then drain completely.
4. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized morsels, ensuring uniform pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend the shredded chicken, drained pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder, stirring until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
6. Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly and creating a smooth surface for optimal cheese coverage.
7. Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty cheese layer.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the casserole to become hot and bubbly.

Notes

• Customize Protein Options by swapping chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences and variety.
• Reduce Sodium Content by using low-sodium Alfredo sauce and selecting reduced-fat cheese blends without compromising the creamy texture.
• Create Gluten-Free Version by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free penne and ensuring Alfredo sauce is certified gluten-free.
• Enhance Vegetable Nutrition by mixing in roasted bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli florets to boost the dish’s vitamin and mineral profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 630 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg