Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes can compete with the heartwarming embrace of a creamy, cheesy casserole. The Creamy Chicken Alfredo casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Fettuccine Alfredo, transforming the beloved pasta dish into a bake that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. This dish combines the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a golden, crispy cheese topping, resulting in a meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious.

The Origin of Alfredo Sauce

The story of Alfredo sauce begins in Rome, Italy, in the early 20th century. Alfredo di Lelio, a restaurateur, created the sauce to entice his pregnant wife to eat something during her nausea phase. The original sauce was a simple emulsion of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. As it made its way to the United States, cream was added to the mix, giving birth to the rich, velvety Alfredo sauce we know and love today.

Why Make it a Casserole?

Transforming the classic Alfredo pasta into a casserole has its perks. It’s an excellent way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week. The baking process melds the flavors beautifully and creates a delightful contrast between the creamy interior and the golden, crispy top layer. Plus, it’s a versatile dish; you can add your favorite veggies or swap proteins to make it your own.

Ingredients

For this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole, you will need:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• For the Casserole:
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
   • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
   • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, and heat until it just begins to simmer.
   • Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat.
4. Combine:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy the comforting embrace of this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the tender chicken and cheesy crust is sure to make this dish a favorite at your family table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite.