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Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for some comfort food? I’ve got a warm and cozy recipe just for you!
Today, I’m sharing my delicious chicken Alfredo casserole.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
Perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredient Substitutions
Penne pasta can be replaced with whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber, while zucchini noodles significantly reduce carbohydrates. If using zucchini noodles, skip the boiling step and add them raw to the casserole before baking.
Full-fat milk can be substituted with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative. These plant-based milks provide a creamy texture with fewer calories. Use the same amount as regular milk, but be aware that the sauce may be slightly less rich.
All-purpose flour can be swapped with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a gluten-free thickener. Use half the amount of cornstarch or arrowroot compared to flour. Whisk the alternative thickener with a small amount of cold milk before adding to the sauce to prevent clumping.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2600-3000
- Protein: 150-170 g
- Fat: 170-190 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta (boiled in salted water as per package instructions)
- 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
- 2 cups full-fat milk
- 1 cup thick cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (split)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish and Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the oven heats, coat a 3-quart baking dish evenly with cooking spray to prevent sticking later on.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 1 minute to form a base for your sauce.
Gradually pour in the milk and cream, and whisk continuously while it simmers until the sauce is just thickened.
Step 3: Add Cheese to the Sauce
Incorporate the parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella into the milk mixture.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir everything together until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Take a large mixing bowl and place your cooked pasta and chicken inside.
Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture, tossing everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the rich sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared 3-quart baking dish.
Evenly distribute the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
Bake in your preheated oven, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until you notice the pasta is bubbly and the cheese on top has started to brown.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for added flavor and a pop of color.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, cheesy pasta dish!
