Description
This easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender rotisserie chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked together in one dish for a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired dinner that’s ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 (16 ounce) package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 (22 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce (or 1 ½ 15-ounce jars) (approximately 2 ½ cups total)
- 3 cups chicken stock (or chicken broth)
Chicken and Cheese
- 2 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken (or other diced cooked chicken)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 large cloves)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian cheese blend
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large baking dish, combine the uncooked rotini pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken stock, diced chicken, and minced garlic. Stir well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. This step allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and cook gently in the liquid mixture.
- Check and Stir: Remove the foil and stir the pasta mixture. The pasta should be nearly al dente, still firm to the bite but not raw, and there will be some liquid remaining. If the pasta is still very hard, re-cover and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until it reaches the desired tenderness.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is almost done, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or Italian cheese blend evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta is perfectly cooked but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley. Serve warm for a creamy, delicious meal.
Notes
- The cooking time for the pasta may vary slightly depending on your oven; if the pasta is very hard after the initial 30 minutes, simply bake longer until almost al dente.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite Italian herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; just increase baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.
- Use chicken broth as a substitute for chicken stock if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
