Description
Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy chicken alfredo casserole, blending pasta, tender chicken, and rich cheese sauce into one irresistible dish. Hearty layers promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups (shredded) chicken
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (453 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup (140 grams) broccoli (optional)
Cheese and Sauce:
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the casserole.
- Prepare pasta in boiling water following package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame, releasing the aromatic essence of minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and golden.
- Introduce cooked chicken and creamy Alfredo sauce into the skillet, gently folding ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Incorporate the prepared pasta into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the rich, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Transfer the luxurious mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Lavishly sprinkle a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the surface, creating a tantalizing golden crust.
- Optional: For added nutritional value and vibrant color, scatter fresh broccoli florets throughout the casserole before baking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to set.
Notes
- Quickly sauté garlic without burning to maintain a smooth, aromatic base for the sauce.
- Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quicker preparation and enhanced flavor depth.
- Consider swapping regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary accommodations.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for increased nutritional value and color variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg