Creamy Chicken Alfredo Baked Pasta Casserole
A comforting and creamy baked pasta casserole featuring tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a golden mozzarella crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta you prefer)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (about 1 stick), softened
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- Slowly pour in 2 cups heavy cream while whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring often to prevent scorching, and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken and settle. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen. Resting the casserole after baking helps it set and prevents it from falling apart. Cooking pasta al dente is important to avoid mushy texture after baking. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese improves flavor and melting quality. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the c
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2.5
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken Alfredo, baked pasta casserole, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal