Name: Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; 8 oz penne pasta; 8 oz Alfredo sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ¼ cup milk; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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When it comes to comfort food, casseroles always feel like home. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re just craving something hearty and indulgent, this Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole has got you covered. It’s a one-dish wonder that doesn’t require a ton of prep or a fancy list of ingredients. Let me tell you why this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen—and soon, it’ll be in yours too!

Imagine this: tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce baked to bubbly perfection. It’s like a warm hug in a casserole dish. What makes this recipe extra special is that it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet delicious enough to impress at a potluck. Plus, the combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese creates a gooey, melty topping that’s practically irresistible.

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s get everything prepped. Trust me, getting all the ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process smooth and stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
8 oz penne pasta
8 oz Alfredo sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¼ cup milk
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter. This will help prevent any sticky situations when serving.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

For perfectly cooked, tender chicken, place the breasts in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce it to a simmer. In about 15 minutes, the chicken will be fully cooked—white all the way through with juices running clear. Let the chicken cool slightly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces. This step is key to ensuring every forkful has the perfect balance of chicken and pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil the penne pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta al dente—firm enough to hold its shape during baking. This usually takes about 11 minutes. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Why This Recipe Works

What I love most about this casserole is its versatility. Don’t have penne? You can swap it out for rigatoni or even farfalle. Want to sneak in some veggies? Throw in some cooked broccoli or spinach while mixing everything together. This dish is your canvas, so feel free to get creative!

Assembling and Baking the Ultimate Casserole

Now that you’ve prepped your chicken and pasta, it’s time to bring everything together. This part of the process is where the magic really happens. By combining all these flavorful ingredients and letting the oven do its thing, you’ll create a dish that’s bubbling with cheesy goodness and packed with comforting flavors. Let’s dive right into assembling your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole!

Step 4: Mix All the Goodness Together

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked chicken and pasta with the Alfredo sauce, ¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly so that the flavors are evenly distributed. Trust me, you want every bite to have that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.

Here’s a little pro tip: If you want to add a little extra flair, you can sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. This step is where you can truly make the recipe your own, so don’t be shy about experimenting with flavors you love.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Take your greased casserole dish and pour the mixture in, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula so that it’s level—this will help the cheese topping melt uniformly. Now for the best part: sprinkling the remaining ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese and the full cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. The combination of these two cheeses creates that irresistible golden crust that’s everyone’s favorite part.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can even sprinkle a little Parmesan on top for extra depth of flavor. And don’t forget—you’re just minutes away from popping this masterpiece into the oven!

Step 6: Bake It to Perfection

Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake it for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the baking time to ensure the cheese doesn’t brown too much. You’re looking for a golden, bubbly topping that’s slightly crisp around the edges—this is the hallmark of a perfect casserole.

As the casserole bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese and savory Alfredo sauce. It’s a sensory preview of the deliciousness to come!

Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish

When the timer goes off, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait allows the dish to settle, making it easier to serve without falling apart. If you’re a fan of fresh garnishes, sprinkle some chopped parsley or even a touch of basil on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Tips for Success

Cheese Lover’s Dream: If you adore gooey cheese, feel free to add a little extra on top. You can never go wrong with more cheese in a casserole!
Add Veggies: If you want to add a healthy twist, toss in some steamed broccoli or peas during the mixing stage. These additions complement the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
Make It Your Own: Swap the chicken for shrimp or even sausage if you’re feeling adventurous. This dish is incredibly versatile!

FAQ and Bringing It All Together

Your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole is fresh out of the oven, looking and smelling absolutely divine. Before you dive in, let’s tackle a few common questions that might pop up as you prepare or serve this dish. After all, we want you to feel like a casserole expert by the end of this article!

FAQ Section: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the pasta and sauce.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed. You might need to add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

3. What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment! Parmesan, Gruyere, or even Monterey Jack can add unique flavors to the dish. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey topping.

4. Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

5. How can I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To keep your casserole moist, cover it with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes. You can also add a splash of milk or Alfredo sauce before reheating to restore its creamy texture.

6. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Double-check that your Alfredo sauce and other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure the dish is safe for everyone.

7. What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also shines as part of a larger meal.

Conclusion: Your Next Favorite Dinner

There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s both easy to make and undeniably delicious. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole checks all the boxes: simple, comforting, and versatile. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a gathering with friends, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your rotation.

Don’t forget—this casserole is also a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Add veggies, switch up the protein, or try new cheeses to make it uniquely yours. And once you’ve fallen in love with this recipe (which you will!), be sure to share it with friends or family. They’ll thank you, I promise.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Author: David
Total Time: 40 minutes

Print Recipe

Description

This effortless, cheesy casserole is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish that comes together with minimal prep.

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 1.5-quart casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

2️⃣ Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until no longer pink inside and juices run clear, about 15 minutes. Remove from water, let cool slightly, and cut into bite-sized pieces.

3️⃣ Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.

4️⃣ Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

5️⃣ Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese over the top.

6️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is bubbly around the edges.

7️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy!