Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole

If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week, look no further than this Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole. Combining tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, this casserole is baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a melty cheese blend that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry family, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple to make.

Why This Recipe Works

This Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, the combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken creates a rich, flavorful base that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. The use of penne pasta, with its tube shape, holds onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is as indulgent as the last. Adding a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses provides that gooey, stretchy cheese pull along with a sharp, nutty flavor. Finally, topping the dish with breadcrumbs tossed in olive oil gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy interior. This recipe is straightforward yet delicious enough to feel like a special occasion meal.

What You’ll Need

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Must-Have Equipment

• Large pot – for boiling the penne pasta
• Colander – to drain the pasta
• Mixing bowl – to combine chicken, pasta, and sauce
• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well) – to bake the casserole
• Oven mitts – safety first when handling hot dishes
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts
• Spatula or wooden spoon – to mix everything together

Stepwise Method: Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes). Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Preheat Oven and Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil until evenly coated. This will give the topping a golden, crunchy texture when baked.

Step 3: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Alfredo Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, 2 cups shredded chicken, and 2 cups Alfredo sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to make sure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce and seasonings.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture. The cheeses will melt during baking, adding creaminess and flavor throughout the casserole.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with oil or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top in an even layer to create that irresistible crust.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the breadcrumbs crisp and fragrant.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Make It Year-Round

• Swap shredded chicken with cooked turkey or even cooked shrimp for a different protein twist.
• Add seasonal vegetables like steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to amp up the nutrition and flavor.
• For a lighter version, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or substitute half the cheese with a lighter variety.
• Try mixing in different herbs such as basil or thyme for a fresh herbaceous note.
• Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal anytime.

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

• Make sure not to overcook the penne pasta; it should be just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
• Don’t skip tossing the breadcrumbs with olive oil, or the topping won’t brown and crisp up properly.
• Season the sauce mixture well; Alfredo sauce on its own can be mild, so the garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper are essential.
• If using store-bought Alfredo sauce, check the ingredient list to ensure it suits your dietary preferences.
• Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking to allow it to set, which makes serving easier and cleaner.

Storing Tips & Timelines

This Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole makes great leftovers and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking or after baking and cooling. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.

Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole Q&A

Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?

Absolutely! While penne pasta works great because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.

What can I use if I don’t have Alfredo sauce on hand?

You can easily make a quick homemade Alfredo sauce using butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Or, swap for a similar creamy sauce like a béchamel or a cream cheese-based sauce. For a delicious alternative, try our Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Alfredo Ziti for a vegetable-forward twist.

How do I make this dish more spicy or flavorful?

To add some heat, mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce before combining with the pasta. You can also try our Cheesy Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta recipe for a spicy variation with a kick.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Baked Three Cheese Chicken Penne – A cheesy, crowd-pleasing baked pasta packed with three types of cheese and tender chicken.
• Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Alfredo Ziti – A lighter take on Alfredo pasta with roasted cauliflower for added depth and nutrition.
• Cheesy Baked Buffalo Chicken Pasta – A spicy, tangy baked pasta that’s perfect for game day or any time you want a flavorful punch.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Alfredo Penne Casserole is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy textures that come together effortlessly. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull together with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a make-ahead meal to enjoy throughout the week, this casserole hits all the right notes — from the tender shredded chicken and flavorful sauce to the melty cheeses and crisp topping. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can swap proteins or veggies to keep it fresh and exciting. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to pasta bake!

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