There’s something deeply comforting about opening the oven to creamy noodles bubbling under a golden layer of cheese. This Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole is exactly that all the richness of classic Alfredo, but you literally just dump everything in a dish and let the oven do the work.
I started making this version back in early spring when I needed dinner to feel comforting but not heavy, and honestly, it saved more than a few tired evenings. The noodles cook right in the sauce, which sounds wild but works beautifully you just need enough liquid and a tight foil seal. After testing this a dozen times over the years, I’ve learned that using rotisserie chicken and jarred Alfredo keeps it weeknight-friendly without sacrificing that creamy, satisfying flavor everyone actually wants.
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Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole Easy Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Standard
Description
Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole is a perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. This family dinner is a delicious baked alfredo chicken casserole that comes together with minimal effort. Ideal for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1–2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound boneless chicken cut into cubes
- salt and black pepper
- chili flakes
- 1 pound dry short cut pasta or egg noodles
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 4 ounces cream cheese melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone
- fresh parsley or basil for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F.
- Pour melted butter into a 9×13 inch baking dish with high sides, then add the chicken along with half of the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
- Layer the pasta and broccoli on top of the chicken and add one and a half cups of water over everything.
- In a bowl, combine the melted cream cheese with heavy cream, then whisk in milk and Parmesan cheese, adding more Italian seasoning as desired, and pour this mixture evenly over the noodles and broccoli.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and dust with extra garlic powder, then cover and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and the noodles on top have crisped.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 779 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Casserole
This is the kind of recipe that feels like a small victory on a Tuesday night. You’re not browning chicken separately or boiling noodles on the stoveyou just layer everything right in the baking dish and walk away. It’s my go-to when I’m tired and still want dinner to feel like dinner.
- Minimal effort, maximum comfort: The raw noodles cook directly in the creamy sauce, soaking up all that garlicky, cheesy flavor.
- One dish, easy cleanup: No extra pots or pans to scrubjust your baking dish and a spoon.
- Kid-approved creaminess: Broccoli hides beautifully under all that melted mozzarella and Parmesan, making this an easy family win.
- Flexible and forgiving: Swap the pasta shape, use frozen broccoli, or skip the chicken for a vegetarian versionit still works.

What You’ll Need (and Why It Works)
The magic here is in the liquid ratiocream cheese, heavy cream, and whole milk create a silky base that hydrates the noodles as they bake. You’ll also need boneless chicken cut into cubes, so it cooks evenly alongside the pasta.
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder season the chicken and sauce in layers, building flavor without extra steps. The broccoli florets steam under the foil, staying tender but not mushy. And the two cheesesParmesan for sharpness and mozzarella (or provolone) for meltgive you that golden, bubbly top everyone fights over.
Pro Tip: Make sure your baking dish has high sides. You need room for the liquid and pasta to move around without spilling over.
How the Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole Comes Together
Start by melting butter right in your baking dish, then toss the raw chicken cubes with your spices directly in that butter. Layer the dry noodles and chopped broccoli over the chicken, then pour water over everythingthis is what helps the pasta cook through.
Whisk together the melted cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan until smooth, then pour it evenly over the noodles. Top with shredded mozzarella and a final sprinkle of garlic powder. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15–20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy around the edges.
| Step | What Happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Season & layer | Butter, chicken, noodles, broccoli | 5 min |
| Add liquid | Water + cream mixture | 5 min |
| Covered bake | Pasta softens, chicken cooks | 30 min |
| Uncovered bake | Cheese browns, edges crisp | 15–20 min |
Simple Swaps and Tweaks
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-halfjust know the sauce will be slightly thinner. Frozen broccoli works great too; no need to thaw it first. Rotisserie chicken can replace raw chicken if you’re in a real time crunchjust shred it and layer it in.
| Original | Easy Swap |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken cubes | Rotisserie chicken, shredded |
| Fresh broccoli | Frozen broccoli florets |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half |
| Mozzarella | Provolone or Italian blend |
| Short cut pasta | Egg noodles, penne, or rotini |
Note: If you want a little heat, add extra chili flakes to the chicken layer or sprinkle some on top before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Casserole
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after it comes out of the oventhis helps the sauce thicken up just a bit more. Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness that balances all that richness.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or warm the whole dish covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. It freezes well toojust cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, add a few tablespoons of water or milk before covering and baking to keep it creamy.
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How I Finally Nailed This Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole
This Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole took me longer than I’d like to admit to get right. The first few attempts either came out soupy or with crunchy noodles on top. After adjusting the liquid ratio and playing with the baking time, I landed on a version that’s creamy, perfectly tender, and worth every test run.
FAQs (Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole)
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces directly without thawing. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during the extended cooking time.
What type of pasta works best?
Medium-sized pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work perfectly because they hold the sauce well. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair as it can become mushy. Make sure to use uncooked pasta as it will absorb the flavors while baking.
How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Cover tightly with aluminum foil for most of the baking time to trap moisture. Use enough liquid (broth and alfredo sauce) to cover the pasta completely. Remove foil only in the last 10 minutes if you want a golden cheese top.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble this meal up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight.
What vegetables can I add?
Broccoli florets, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach work wonderfully. Add frozen vegetables directly or fresh ones chopped small so they cook evenly. Mix them in with the pasta before adding the sauce and chicken.

One Dish, So Much Comfort
This Dump and Bake Chicken Alfredo Noodle Casserole comes together in about an hour, and you’ll love how it turns outcreamy, golden, and filling without any fuss. The noodles soak up all that garlicky richness while the cheese gets bubbly and crisp around the edges. It’s the kind of dinner that smells incredible the second you open the oven door.
If you want a little extra depth, stir in a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes before bakingboth fold right into the sauce. Swap the broccoli for mushrooms or zucchini if that’s what your family prefers. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk, and honestly, they taste even better the next day once everything’s had time to settle. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen: always rest casseroles a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens just right.
I’d love to hear what you think once you try thistag me in your photos or tell me what you added to make it your own. Did you grow up with something like this on busy school nights? Save this one for those evenings when you need something easy but still want everyone at the table smiling. Little wins in the kitchen can change the whole evening.










