My inspiration for this dish was purely by accident. Fettuccine Alfredo was on the menu, but I was in a pinch for time. I ended up re -thinking my plan and turning my Fettuccine Alfredo into a casserole instead.
You can use jarred Alfredo sauce, but once you taste homemade you will ever go back. Don’t let the homemade version scare you off, because it’s really quite easy to make.
Related: 14 Things to Make With Your Leftover Chicken
This yummy casserole combines the flavors of five different cheeses, mozzarella, provolone, romano, asiago and parmesan. The sauce is so creamy and cheesy. Everyone loved this new twist on an old favorite. If you want to save time you can use pre-cooked chicken or even better use a store bought rotisserie chicken. Why not get out of your dinner slump and give this casserole a try.
Ingredients
• 8 oz. package whole grain penne pasta, cooked, al dente (Barilla Plus or Dreamfields)
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cut into pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 6 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups low fat milk (or use all half & half)
• 1 and 2/3 cup Kraft Italian Five Cheese Blend w/cream cheese, separated
• salt and pepper to taste (white pepper if you have it)
• Italian seasoning, garnish
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions (al dente) then drain. While pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken.
Using a 12-inch skillet or stove top grill heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Split the chicken breasts, so they’re not too thick. This will help them cook more evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook on both sides until cooked, browned and the juices run clear (about 10 minutes). Remove chicken to a plate, set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. While chicken is cooling start on the sauce. In a separate large skillet melt the butter; add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the flour and mix using a wire whisk. Mix until bubbly and it starts to take on a bit of color.
Add the heavy cream and milk; mix to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce hit to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add 2/3 cup of cheese and blend using a wire whisk. Cook mixture an additional 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up. The sauce is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon.
Remove sauce from heat. Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and add to a large bowl. Add the cooked and drained pasta and the sauce last. Mix everything to combine.
Spray an 8 x 8 inch square baking pan with non-stick spray. Add the pasta mixture t and sprinkle with an additional 1 cup of cheese.
Sprinkle with pepper and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Recipe yields: 5-6 servings
Related: Easy and Cheesy New Ways to Make Pizza
What’s your favorite time-saver meal?
You Might Also Like
• Cheese Enchilada Casserole Recipe
• Turkey and Stuffing Roll-Ups Recipe
