Here’s the full recipe for Chicken Alfredo Casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound rotini pasta, cooked and drained (save 1 cup of cooking water for casserole)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 (15 ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup garlic parmesan sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. Add about ½ cup pasta water if needed for extra sauciness.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Here are some common questions about Chicken Alfredo Casserole along with their answers:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rotini?
- Yes, you can use a different type of pasta such as penne, farfalle (bowtie), or rigatoni instead of rotini. Choose your favorite pasta shape or use whatever you have on hand.
2. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken separately?
- Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and will save you time. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and use it in the recipe as directed.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed.
4. Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Chicken Alfredo Casserole for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire casserole to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.
5. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
- Yes, you can add vegetables to this casserole to incorporate more nutrients and flavors. Consider adding steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers to the mixture before baking for added texture and color.
6. Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?
- Yes, you can use homemade Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought if you prefer. Simply prepare your favorite Alfredo sauce recipe and use it in place of the store-bought sauce in the recipe. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that the Alfredo and garlic parmesan sauces are gluten-free. Check the labels of the sauces to verify their gluten-free status.
8. What sides would pair well with this casserole?
- This Chicken Alfredo Casserole pairs well with a variety of sides such as garlic bread, a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Choose your favorite sides to complement the creamy and comforting flavors of the casserole.