Description
Indulge in the mouth-watering Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole, a delightful concoction that combines succulent chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is baked until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden, offering a mix of textures from the velvety sauce to the satisfyingly crispy top layer. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that is guaranteed to please any crowd, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 22-ounce jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 2 ½ cups)
- 3 cups chicken stock (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)
- Optional garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), preparing it for baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, diced chicken, and minced garlic. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial phase of baking.
3. Bake the Pasta
Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the dish, stir the contents well, and check if the pasta is al dente. If it’s still firm, re-cover and continue baking until the desired texture is achieved.
4. Add the Cheese Topping
Once the pasta is cooked, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the rich, creamy textures and flavors.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people and takes about 50 minutes to prepare and cook, with an additional 10 minutes needed for preheating the oven and finalizing the dish.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Cool the casserole completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Conclusion
The Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole is a versatile and delightful dish that combines simple ingredients into a luxurious meal. Its ease of preparation and delicious taste make it an excellent choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking to please a crowd. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole promises to deliver comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
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Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouth-watering Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Casserole, a delightful concoction that combines succulent chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is baked until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden, offering a mix of textures from the velvety sauce to the satisfyingly crispy top layer. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food that is guaranteed to please any crowd, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 22-ounce jar Alfredo sauce (approximately 2 ½ cups)
- 3 cups chicken stock (or substitute with chicken broth)
- 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)
- Optional garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), preparing it for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, diced chicken, and minced garlic. Ensure that the pasta is well-coated with the sauce mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the initial phase of baking.
- Bake the Pasta Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the dish, stir the contents well, and check if the pasta is al dente. If it’s still firm, re-cover and continue baking until the desired texture is achieved.
- Add the Cheese Topping Once the pasta is cooked, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped herbs to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve the casserole warm and enjoy the rich, creamy textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes