Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe because it’s like all the comfort of classic chicken Alfredo, but in a cozy, baked form that’s perfect for weeknights or casual get-togethers. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by how creamy and rich it was without feeling heavy, thanks to the perfect balance of pesto, Alfredo sauce, and fresh spinach.

You’ll find that this recipe is such a crowd-pleaser—my family goes crazy for it! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use rotisserie chicken for a quick yet satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour. If you love creamy, cheesy casseroles, this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is definitely worth trying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, creating a rich, irresistibly creamy dish. I recommend looking for quality pesto and Alfredo sauce to get the best results.

• Fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
• Refrigerated pesto sauce: Brings bright herbaceous notes that brighten the casserole.
• Alfredo sauce: The creamy base that ties everything together with cheesy goodness.
• Chicken broth: Thins out the Alfredo slightly for the perfect casserole consistency.
• Uncooked penne pasta: Holds sauce well, providing a sturdy yet tender bite.
• Rotisserie chicken: Perfect shortcut for tender, flavorful shredded chicken without extra cooking.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a bubbly, cheesy finish.
• Fresh basil: Adds herbal freshness to finish off the dish nicely.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and pretty color when sprinkled over the top.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe is—you can easily make it your own with a few simple swaps or additions. Don’t hesitate to get creative and tweak it based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences!

• Vegetable Boost: I like adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese Swap: Feel free to use Parmesan or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella for a sharper taste.
• Protein Variation: You can swap out rotisserie chicken for cooked shrimp or even turkey leftover from a holiday dinner.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute penne with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a lighter casserole.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Spinach and Pesto

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then toss the fresh chopped spinach with the refrigerated pesto sauce in a medium bowl. This combo adds a fresh, herbal punch to the dish—the pesto’s brightness really lifts the creamy flavors later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Alfredo Mixture and Layer

In another bowl, stir together the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth until smooth. Spread about a third of this mixture on the bottom of a greased 11×7-inch baking dish, then top with half of the spinach-pesto mixture. This layering creates a beautiful balance of flavors in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Next, stir the cooked penne pasta and chopped rotisserie chicken into the remaining Alfredo mixture. Spoon half of this chicken-pasta mixture over the spinach layer you just added. Repeat with the remaining spinach and chicken layers to finish building your casserole.

Step 4: Bake, Cheese, and Finish

Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Then remove from the oven, sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly across the top, and pop it back in for about 5 more minutes so the cheese melts beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil and a dash of paprika for a lovely finish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish my casserole with fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of paprika—it brightens up the dish visually and adds a subtle smoky note. Sometimes, I toss on a little extra shredded Parmesan for more cheesy goodness, especially if feeding a crowd who loves cheese.

Side Dishes

This casserole works perfectly alongside simple green salads or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. My go-to sides are roasted broccoli or garlic green beans—they add texture and fresh flavors without competing with the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a fancy look, or layer it in a clear baking dish so guests can admire the colorful layers before digging in. Adding a few basil sprigs on top just before serving always impresses, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge—this recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen and meld after resting overnight, so it’s great to make ahead for busy nights.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish but holding off on the final cheese topping. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake as directed. The texture and flavor remain just as comforting.

Reheating

For reheating, I cover the casserole with foil to avoid drying out and warm it in a 350°F oven until bubbly, about 20 minutes. Microwave works, too, but the oven keeps that freshly baked texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my recipe arsenal because it combines ease, flavor, and comfort in one delicious dish. I always feel like I’m treating my family to something fancy without needing a ton of prep work. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, I bet it’ll become a weeknight favorite in your home too!

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