Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Weeknights
Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole – Creamy, Cheesy, and Perfect for Weeknights
There’s something comfortingly nostalgic about a bubbling, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven, and this Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole brings that warmth to your weeknights with minimal fuss. It blends familiar flavors—creamy Alfredo, shredded chicken, and buttery stuffing—into one crowd-pleasing dish that’s as effortless as it is satisfying. For a slow-cooker spin on hearty weeknight dinners, you might also enjoy checking this crockpot garlic Parmesan chicken and potatoes idea for another hands-off family favorite.
Why make this recipe
This casserole is special because it combines quick-prep convenience with comfort-dish depth: a creamy chicken filling spiced lightly and held together by gooey cheeses, finished with a crisp, buttery stuffing topping that adds texture and nostalgic flavor. It’s a clever one-dish solution for busy nights, potlucks, or when you want hearty leftovers for the week.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1½ cups hot water
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole
Preheat and prep the dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray so the casserole won’t stick and will brown nicely around the edges.Prepare the stuffing topping
Open the box of stuffing mix and prepare it as directed with the hot water and butter. Stir until the crumbs are moistened and fluffy, then set aside to cool slightly while you mix the filling. (If you prefer extra buttery stuffing, add an extra tablespoon of butter.)Make the chicken Alfredo filling
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated — the mixture should be creamy and thick, not watery.Assemble the casserole
Spread the chicken Alfredo mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch dish, smoothing it into an even layer so every bite will have filling. Sprinkle any reserved cheese evenly over the top if you like an extra cheesy crust.Top with stuffing and bake
Evenly spread the prepared stuffing mix over the chicken mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres in a single layer. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.Finish and serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and a hint of brightness. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, savory layers.
Notes on timing and texture: the resting time helps firm the casserole so slices hold together better when you serve. If the stuffing starts to brown too quickly in your oven, tent loosely with foil for part of the bake.
Keeping Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole Fresh
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months at 0°F (−18°C).
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating if frozen. Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.
Serving Suggestions for Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole
- Simple sides: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and roasted or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced plate.
- Family-style: Set bowls of extra grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon wedges on the table so everyone can add their preferred finishing touches.
- For guests: Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the Alfredo sauce’s creaminess.
Tips to make Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole
Q: How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
A: Use a full-fat Alfredo sauce and avoid over-baking; removing it from the oven when it’s just bubbly ensures it stays moist. Adding a splash (2–3 tablespoons) of milk or chicken broth to the filling can also help keep it creamy.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes—assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if baking straight from chilled.
Q: What’s the best way to get a crispier stuffing top?
A: For extra crunch, mix in a tablespoon of melted butter before spreading the stuffing and bake uncovered. In the last 3–4 minutes of baking, turn the oven to broil for a quick top crisp (watch carefully to avoid burning).
Q: Any advice for shredding chicken quickly?
A: Use two forks to pull apart warm cooked chicken or pulse cooked chicken breasts a few times in a stand mixer on low for hands-off shredding.
Variations and Substitutions
Bulleted variation:
- Swap the Alfredo sauce for a mix of cream cheese and milk whisked with a little garlic for a tangier, thicker filling.
- Use herb-seasoned or cornbread stuffing mix for a different flavor profile and texture.
Paragraph variation:
If you want to lighten the dish, substitute part-skim mozzarella and a low-fat Alfredo sauce or a homemade béchamel with skim milk. You can also replace the boxed stuffing with a homemade breadcrumb-herb topping — toast day-old bread, pulse into crumbs, mix with melted butter and chopped herbs, then sprinkle over the filling for a fresher, less processed topping.
FAQ
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
A: Yes — rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing with the Alfredo sauce.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. It freezes well when stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use a gluten-free stuffing mix and confirm your Alfredo sauce is gluten-free; most are, but always check labels. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What to expect in the first bite
When you dig into this casserole, you’ll get a velvety spoonful of creamy Alfredo and tender chicken, followed by the contrast of the buttery, slightly crisp stuffing top. The mozzarella and Parmesan create that familiar, melty cheese pull many people love, while the garlic and onion powders round out the savory notes without overpowering the dish. It’s hearty comfort food that feels indulgent but is fast enough for midweek dinners.
Meal planning and portioning
This 9×13 casserole serves about 6–8 people depending on portion size. It’s great for meal prepping: make a full batch on Sunday, refrigerate or freeze portions, and reheat small servings for quick lunches or dinners. For company, double the side salad and add a simple dessert like lemon bars or a fruit crumble to balance the richness of the main course.
Ingredient swaps for special diets
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free Alfredo sauce and dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives; the stuffing may need a vegan substitute for butter.
- Lower-carb: Replace the stuffing topping with a cauliflower-parmesan crust (finely chopped cooked cauliflower mixed with egg and Parmesan, pressed on top).
- High-protein: Stir in extra shredded chicken or a scoop of ricotta cheese to increase protein content without sacrificing creaminess.
Troubleshooting common issues
- If the casserole is too watery: Drain any excess liquid from the shredded chicken before mixing, and don’t over-sauce the filling. If it’s already mixed, bake a few extra minutes uncovered to help thicken.
- If the stuffing is soggy: Make sure the stuffing is prepared as directed and not overly wet before topping. Pressing it lightly helps it form a cohesive crust.
- If the cheese doesn’t melt evenly: Use shredded cheeses rather than pre-sliced; shredded melts and integrates more smoothly.
Pairings and menu ideas
- Weeknight comfort: Serve with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Holiday twist: Add roasted mushrooms and a sprinkle of thyme to the filling for a holiday-appropriate casserole that still feels familiar.
- Kid-friendly: Serve with carrot sticks and apple slices on the side; let kids sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on their own portion.
Make-ahead and batch-cooking strategy
Assemble the casserole but stop before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and then bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the overall time to account for the chilled filling. For freezing, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn; label the container with the date for rotation.
A note on comfort and simplicity
This recipe bridges the gap between indulgence and practicality: it borrows the creamy decadence of Alfredo and the homey nostalgia of stuffing to create something that feels special with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that invites relaxed conversation at the table and makes evenings easier when time is short.
Additional serving ideas and garnishes
- Brightness: A squeeze of lemon or a scattering of fresh parsley or basil brightens each portion.
- Texture: Toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions make elevated, crunchy toppings.
- Heat: Crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil give a spicy kick for those who like heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (mix style)
Q: Can I substitute homemade Alfredo sauce?
A: Yes — homemade Alfredo (butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan) works beautifully and can be seasoned to your preference.How long does it take to bake from cold?
It will need about 5–10 extra minutes if you bake it straight from the refrigerator; cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely — leftover turkey is a delicious and festive swap, especially after holidays.When using a slow cooker: Layer the filling and stuffing and cook on low for 2–3 hours until heated through and the stuffing top has a chance to crisp under a brief oven broil if needed.
Wrap-up and final reassurance
This casserole is forgiving, adaptable, and ideal for cooks who want big flavor without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. Whether you’re feeding a family, taking a dish to a potluck, or making lunches for the week, it’s a dependable choice that tastes like a treat.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for another comforting take on chicken casseroles, see this helpful Comforting Chicken Casserole Recipe: Quick & Easy Meal for additional inspiration. For a similar cheesy, crowd-pleasing take with stuffing, this Cheesy Chicken Stuffing Casserole – Julie’s Eats & Treats ® is a useful comparison and can spark ideas for tweaks and topping variations.
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Quick & Easy Chicken Alfredo Stuffing Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A creamy and cheesy casserole that combines shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, and buttery stuffing for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 1½ cups hot water
- 3 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the stuffing mix with hot water and butter as directed on the package.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the chicken Alfredo mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle reserved cheese on top.
- Spread the stuffing mix evenly over the chicken mixture and press lightly.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier slicing. Tent with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, alfredo stuffing, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal







