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.
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
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!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie-packed variation.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet dietary preferences
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6