Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This creamy chicken Alfredo casserole uses jarred Alfredo sauce and pesto sauce, as well as a rotisserie chicken so you can have a hot, cheesy pasta dinner on the table in less than an hour. Add a green salad and warm crusty bread, and your family will leave what they were doing and crowd around the table for a great meal.

This creamy chicken Alfredo casserole is also ideal for a weekend gathering of family and friends—simply make two dishes, or double the recipe. If you ever have leftover chicken, remember to shred it and freeze it for recipes just like this one.

Learn how to make creamy chicken Alfredo casserole. This recipe promises to become a family favorite, so keep it close by.

What Is Chicken Alfredo?

Chicken Alfredo is a variation of classic fettuccini Alfredo—a dish made with a simple but indulgent mix of fettuccini, butter, and Parmesan cheese—with tender pieces of chicken in the mix.

Fettuccini Alfredo is named for Alfredo Di Lelio, a Roman restauranteur credited for its invention. He was famous for the theatrical tableside service that accompanied an order of the dish in his restaurant. It's said that Alfredo himself would arrive at each table, mixing the pasta high with golden cutlery, allowing the butter and cheese to emulsify and coat the noodles as patrons watched. It remains a beloved dish to this day.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This indulgent dish is transformed into a quick weeknight meal with the help of store-bought pesto sauce, Alfredo sauce, and rotisserie chicken. The best part? It tastes like it took hours to make. To make creamy chicken Alfredo casserole, you'll need:

• Fresh baby spinach: Adds color and a boost of nutrients to the dish.
• Pesto sauce: Adds a nutty, herbaceous touch to complement the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Alfredo sauce: A rich, creamy sauce for the casserole. Use your favorite brand.
• Chicken broth: Thins the Alfredo sauce to add moisture to the casserole as it bakes.
• Penne pasta: The base of the casserole, absorbing the flavors of the sauces as the casserole bakes.
• Rotisserie chicken: For a boost in protein.
• Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy texture and flavor to the casserole.
• Fresh basil: For a bright, herbaceous touch.
• Paprika: For a hint of smoky flavor and touch of color.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Would you believe us if we told you this decadent casserole could be on the table in under an hour? We're pretty amazed too. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Mix spinach and pesto: Preheat oven, and toss together the spinach and pesto.
• Step 2. Assemble casserole: Stir together Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. Spread one-third into a lightly greased baking dish. Top with half of spinach mixture.
• Step 3. Continue to assemble casserole: Stir together pasta, chicken, and remaining Alfredo mixture. Spoon half over spinach mixture, then top with remaining spinach and chicken mixtures.
• Step 4. Bake and garnish: Bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese and bake until bubbly. Top with basil and paprika.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole Variations

To change up this creamy chicken Alfredo casserole, consider these variation ideas:

• Greens: Use kale, Swiss chard, or frozen spinach (thawed and drained) in a pinch in the place of fresh spinach.
• Make it homemade: If you prefer a scratch-made version, make your own Alfredo or pesto sauce at home.
• Pasta: Swap the penne with other shapes like rotini, macaroni, orecchiette, ziti, and more as needed.
• Protein: Change it up by using leftover cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, or bacon.
• Veggies: Add broccoli florets, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Topping: Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a crispy topping.
• Heat: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Just mix it all up: Some community members commented that they skipped the layers in favor of mixing it all together for equally tasty results.

Our Tips for the Best Chicken Alfredo Casserole

For the best chicken Alfredo casserole, keep these tips in mind along the way:

• High-quality ingredients: Use a quality Alfredo sauce and pesto for the best flavor.
• Al dente pasta: Avoid overcooking the pasta before assembling the casserole. Remember it will continue to absorb moisture and soften as it bakes.
• Add moisture: The Alfredo sauce and broth add moisture to the casserole. Some community members added a bit more for an even creamier consistency.
• Avoid overbaking: Melt only until the cheese is bubbly and melted for the best texture.
• Let it rest: Rest the casserole for 10 to 15 minutes before serving for easy portioning.

Can I Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole Ahead?

Prepare this casserole ahead to have a hot, homemade meal on the table in no time, even on those busiest of days. To make it in advance, assemble, wrap, and refrigerate the casserole up to one day before baking, or freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Let stand at room temperature while the oven preheats, and bake as directed.

How To Store and Reheat Chicken Alfredo Casserole

Refrigerate leftovers of this casserole for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout. You can also reheat small portions in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What To Serve With Creamy Chicken Alfredo Casserole

While this one-dish dinner is certainly satisfying all on its own, round out the meal by pairing this chicken Alfredo casserole with a side of garlic bread, a mixed-green salad, roasted or sautéed veggies, a Caprese salad, or other preferred vegetable side dishes.

More Comforting Chicken Casserole Recipes You'll Love

We love serving casseroles on weeknights—they're easy to prep and serve, and they're always a crowd-pleaser. Keep these recipes on hand for a quick and easy meal when you need it most:

• Mushroom and Thyme Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
• Crispy Onions and Parmesan Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
• Buffalo Ranch Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
• Chicken-and-Broccoli Pasta Bake
• Classic Chicken Tetrazzini
• Baked Ziti with Chicken

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.