Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Highlighted under: Favorite Comfort Food Favorites
I absolutely love making this Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo Casserole when I want a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The pre-cooked chicken not only saves me time but also ensures that I’m left with tender, juicy meat in every bite. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with pasta and cheese, creates an indulgent dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. I always make sure to have all the ingredients on hand because my family can’t get enough of this hearty casserole!
When I first created this recipe, I wanted to merge convenience and comfort food into one delightful dish. Using rotisserie chicken was a game changer; it allows me to skip the cooking step while still having incredibly flavorful chicken that pairs beautifully with Alfredo sauce. The first time I served it, my family devoured the entire casserole, and they requested it weekly after that!
I learned that choosing the right pasta is essential to ensuring that every bite is perfect. A shorter pasta, like penne or shell, captures the sauce and chicken beautifully, creating a rich flavor profile that balances really well. It’s become a staple in our home, and I hope it will be in yours too!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Creamy Alfredo sauce enveloping tender chicken and pasta
- Quick and easy prep perfect for busy weeknights
- A crowd-pleaser that will impress at any gathering
Perfect Pasta Paring
The penne pasta is a fantastic choice for this dish because its tubular shape allows it to hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, creating a perfect bite every time. Cook the pasta until just al dente; this will prevent it from becoming mushy during the baking process. A little bite left in the pasta ensures it maintains its structure and texture after being combined with the other ingredients and baked.
You can easily substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose. Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks, as overcooking it will result in a loss of texture once baked. A visual cue to look for is a slight firmness in the center when you bite into it.
Broccoli Benefits
Adding broccoli not only elevates the nutritional value of the casserole, but it also introduces a pleasing texture contrast to the creamy Alfredo. Opt for frozen broccoli florets for convenience, as they’re already washed and prepped. Make sure to thaw them completely before mixing them in to avoid excess moisture that can make the casserole watery.
If you're looking for variations, consider swapping the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower. Just remember to cook them briefly before adding to the mixture to ensure they meld well with the other flavors without becoming too soft during baking.
Cheese Choices
The blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese not only gives a delightful flavor but also a beautiful golden crust on top. For an extra layer of richness, you can mix in some cream cheese or ricotta into the Alfredo sauce before combining it with the pasta and chicken. This enhances the creamy texture and adds a slight tang that complements the Alfredo sauce beautifully.
If you prefer a lighter cheese option, try using low-fat mozzarella or a dairy-free cheese substitute. However, be sure to check the melting properties of the alternative cheese; some don't melt as well as traditional cheeses and can affect the overall texture of the casserole.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Make sure to have a large casserole dish ready for baking.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy casserole with a side salad for a complete meal.
Pro Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding cooked mushrooms or spinach to the mix. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked sausage or shrimp for a different protein option.
Storage Tips
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked casserole. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight, and bake it as directed the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty casserole with a simple side salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors of the Alfredo. A light arugula salad with lemon juice and olive oil pairs beautifully, cutting through the creaminess of the dish. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for a comforting meal.
For a twist, top the finished casserole with crushed red pepper flakes or grated lemon zest right before serving. This can elevate the flavor profile and bring a refreshing element to each bite, making it even more enjoyable at your family gatherings.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade Alfredo sauce will add even more flavor to the casserole.
→ How can I make this dish lighter?
You can use whole wheat pasta and a light Alfredo sauce to reduce calories without sacrificing too much flavor.
→ Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo Casserole
I absolutely love making this Rotisserie Chicken Alfredo Casserole when I want a comforting and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The pre-cooked chicken not only saves me time but also ensures that I’m left with tender, juicy meat in every bite. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with pasta and cheese, creates an indulgent dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. I always make sure to have all the ingredients on hand because my family can’t get enough of this hearty casserole!
Created by: Isobel Fairfax
Recipe Type: Favorite Comfort Food Favorites
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets, thawed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Extra Tips
- For an extra twist, try adding cooked mushrooms or spinach to the mix. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked sausage or shrimp for a different protein option.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g