Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big warm hug on a plate—comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavors that just sing together. Whenever I’m looking for a meal that’s both easy to throw together and guaranteed to please a crowd, this casserole is my go-to. You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without slaving away in the kitchen.

What truly makes this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe stand out is how creamy and indulgent it is without being complicated. Plus, using rotisserie chicken saves you so much prep time, and the fresh spinach and basil add a lovely brightness that balances the richness. Trust me, once you try it, your family will go crazy for this cozy dinner!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe works in harmony to create layers of flavor and creaminess. Plus, many of these are pantry or fridge staples, making it super convenient for spontaneous dinners.

• Fresh baby spinach: Adds a mild, vibrant green note and sneaks in some veggies without overpowering the dish.
• Refrigerated pesto sauce: This brings a herby, garlicky punch that lifts the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that makes the casserole indulgent and luscious—store-bought works wonderfully to save time.
• Chicken broth: Thins out the Alfredo slightly, preventing the dish from being too heavy while adding subtle savory depth.
• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its hollow shape, and cooks up firm enough to bake without getting mushy.
• Rotisserie chicken: A lifesaver for busy cooks, already cooked and shredding easily for fuss-free assembly.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly and delivers that gooey, stringy cheese pull everyone loves in a casserole.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fresh herbal aroma and color contrast that brightens up the finished dish.
• Paprika: Just a sprinkle on top gives a warm hint of smokiness and a pop of color.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is so flexible—feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to swap out the protein or add extra veggies, it’s easy to tweak without losing that creamy comfort factor.

• Use turkey or ham: When I wanted a twist, I swapped the chicken for leftover turkey, and the casserole was just as cozy and delicious.
• Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes: Tossing in sautéed mushrooms or chopped sun-dried tomatoes brings a savory depth and some variety.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and add roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers—you won’t miss the chicken at all.
• Spice it up: For a little heat, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños—my family loves the subtle kick.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Spinach and Pesto

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you are. While it heats up, toss the fresh chopped spinach with the refrigerated pesto in a medium bowl. I like doing this early because it lets the flavors mingle while I prepare the other components. Just make sure your spinach is well-drained—excess moisture can make the casserole watery.

Step 2: Mix the Alfredo Sauce and Chicken Broth

In another bowl, stir together your Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. This combo adds creaminess but keeps the consistency just right—not too thick and not soupy. Then, spread about a third of this mixture into your greased baking dish as your first sauce layer. Layer half of the spinach-pesto mixture on top. Starting with a sauce base helps everything meld beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Combine and Layer Pasta and Chicken

Now stir together the cooked penne pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and the remaining Alfredo sauce mixture. You’ll want everything evenly coated so no bites feel dry. Spoon half of this chicken-pasta mixture over the spinach layer in your casserole dish. Then, repeat the spinach layer and top with the remaining pasta-chicken mixture. I find layering helps keep each bite balanced with every flavor and texture.

Step 4: Bake and Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Bake your assembled casserole uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and warmed through. Then pull it out and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Pop it back in for another 5 minutes so the cheese melts and gets that beautiful golden stretchiness. Finally, sprinkle fresh basil and a dash of paprika over the top for a pop of color and fresh aroma—this finishing touch really elevates the whole dish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly sliced basil and a light sprinkle of paprika—it’s simple but adds fresh color and a subtle kick. Sometimes I add a little extra shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesier crust, too. Fresh cracked black pepper really brings out all the layers of flavor along with the herbs.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—I can’t resist that part! Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins—it makes portions look fancy and perfect for plating. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a little crispy pancetta on top for a gourmet touch. Arranging fresh basil leaves artfully right before serving always adds a pop of freshness and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge where they keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days. I recommend storing it in the original baking dish or transferring to an airtight container to maintain moisture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by assembling it but not baking, then tightly wrapping with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding cheese near the end. Freezing works great for prepping ahead, and it still tastes fresh and creamy after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). Removing the foil for the last few minutes helps re-melt the cheese nicely. If you’re in a hurry, reheating in the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so easy and reliably delicious. The layers of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melty cheese always get rave reviews from family and guests alike. If you’re looking for a comforting meal that feels fancy but comes together quickly, give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did. I promise it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight dinners too!

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