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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 350°F, creating the ideal temperature for a perfectly baked casserole.
- Poach chicken breasts in water, simmering until the meat is thoroughly cooked and loses its pink color, approximately 15 minutes.
- While chicken cooks, boil penne pasta in salted water until it reaches an al dente texture, about 11 minutes, then drain completely.
- Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized morsels, ensuring uniform pieces for even distribution throughout the dish.
- 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.
- Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly and creating a smooth surface for optimal cheese coverage.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all of the Cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty cheese layer.
- 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