There’s something ridiculously comforting about creamy noodles and tender chicken baked into one easy dish. Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole gives you all that classic Alfredo richness without the stovetop stirringjust layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
I tested this back in late March when I needed something warm but not heavy, and the whole thing came together in about ten minutes of hands-on time. This is my go-to when I’m tired and still want a real dinner. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce as they bake, getting tender and flavorful without any boiling or drainingit’s the kind of easy win that makes weeknights feel manageable again.
Thomas Baker
Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole Easy Weeknight Dinner
This Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole is the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and tender noodles all baked together, it makes a comforting family dinner that’s both simple and delicious. Ideal for a family dinner or any busy night dinner when you want minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Spread the melted butter evenly in a deep 9×13 inch baking dish and add the cubed chicken. Season the chicken with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
Layer the dry noodles and broccoli florets over the seasoned chicken. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water on top to help cook the pasta.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted cream cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in extra Italian seasoning if you’d like. Pour this creamy mixture over the noodles and broccoli, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone evenly on top. Dust with additional garlic powder.
Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is nicely browned and the noodles begin to crisp.
Garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving. Scoop out and enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
For best results, use a baking dish with high sides to prevent spills. Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
This is one of those reliable weeknight wins that gets you back into a rhythm. You dump everything into one dish, no pre-cooking the noodles, no fussing over a creamy sauce on the stovetopjust layer, bake, and serve.
Minimal cleanup: One baking dish from start to finish, no extra pots or pans sitting in the sink.
Creamy without the stirring: The noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of that garlicky Alfredo goodness.
Family-friendly flavor: Tender chicken, melted cheese, and broccoli florets tucked into every scoopit’s comfort food that feels complete.
Spring-ready texture: Broccoli keeps it fresh and lighter, perfect for those evenings when you want cozy without heavy.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
Every ingredient here has a job to do. The cream cheese melts into the heavy cream and whole milk to create that luscious Alfredo base, while the Parmesan adds sharpness and the mozzarella (or provolone) gives you those melty, golden spots on top.
The dry pasta cooks directly in the dish, absorbing all the creamy liquid as it bakes. Boneless chicken gets seasoned with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes for warmth. Broccoli florets add color and a slight crunch, and the melted butter at the bottom keeps everything from sticking.
Pro Tip: Use short-cut pasta like penne, rigatoni, or wide egg noodlesthey hold the sauce better and cook evenly in the casserole.
How to Make Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Melt the butter right in your 9×13 inch baking dish, then toss in the cubed chicken with the seasonings. Layer the dry noodles and broccoli florets over the raw chicken, then pour 1½ cups of water over everything.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted cream cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, and grated Parmesan. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the noodles and broccoli, then top with shredded mozzarella or provolone and a sprinkle of extra garlic powder. Cover tightly and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top noodles start crisping up.
Finish with fresh parsley or basil before serving. The noodles on top get golden and slightly crispy, while the ones underneath stay tender and saucyit’s the perfect texture contrast.
Swaps and Tweaks to Make It Yours
Ingredient
Swap Ideas
Boneless chicken
Use rotisserie chicken (shredded) or cubed turkey
Broccoli florets
Try spinach, peas, or chopped zucchini
Mozzarella or provolone
Swap for Gruyère, fontina, or extra Parmesan
Heavy cream
Use half-and-half for a lighter version
Short-cut pasta
Egg noodles, shells, or rotini all work great
Note: If you like extra garlic, bump it up to 2 tablespoons of garlic powder or toss in a few minced fresh cloves with the chicken.
How to Serve and Store Leftovers
Serve this straight from the baking dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side. The casserole holds its shape well, so scooping clean portions is easy even while it’s still warm.
Storage Method
Instructions
Refrigerator
Cover tightly and store up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Freezer
Freeze in airtight containers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
Reheating tip
Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to refresh the sauce.
Pro Tip: Leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle. Reheat gently to keep the noodles from drying out.
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FAQs ( Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole )
Do I need to precook the noodles?
No, you use uncooked pasta straight from the box. The noodles cook perfectly in the oven using the moisture from the sauce and chicken broth. Just make sure they’re completely covered with liquid before baking.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely first and pat dry. Frozen chicken releases excess water during baking, which can make this dish watery. Cut thawed chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Why is my casserole dry?
This usually happens when there’s not enough liquid or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure all pasta is submerged in sauce before baking. Cover tightly with foil and bake at the recommended temperature.
How do I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. You can also reheat covered in a 350F oven.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
Frozen broccoli, peas, or spinach work perfectly since they cook through during baking. Add them directly to the mix without thawing. Fresh bell peppers or mushrooms also work great when diced small.
You’re Going to Love How This Turns Out
Your Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole is going to come out of that oven bubbling, golden, and smelling like creamy garlic heaven. The noodles will be perfectly tender, the chicken juicy, and those crispy cheese edges on top? That’s the kind of detail that makes everyone reach for seconds. You’ll love how simple this was to pull together and how satisfying it feels to serve something this comforting without spending an hour in the kitchen.
A Few Gentle Tweaks From My Kitchen to Yours
If you want a richer sauce, add an extra quarter cup of heavy cream before bakingit creates even more of that silky Alfredo pooling at the bottom. Swap the broccoli for fresh spinach if that’s what you have on hand; just toss it in during the last ten minutes so it wilts without getting mushy. And here’s a trick I picked up from years of shooting casseroles in the test kitchen: let it rest for a few minutes after baking so the sauce thickens slightly and portions hold their shape better on the plate. Leftovers reheat beautifully with just a splash of milk stirred in to bring back that creamy texture.
Let’s Keep This Cozy Conversation Going
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me in your photos or drop a comment if you tried a fun swap. Did your family grow up with a favorite baked pasta dish that felt like a hug on a plate? Save this one for the next time you need dinner to feel easy but still really special. Here’s to dinners that help you get back into a rhythm.
