Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dinner, this Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake is your new go-to recipe. Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Add some vibrant steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition, and you have a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake is the perfect weeknight dinner for busy households. It’s quick to throw together, requires minimal ingredients, and bakes into a golden, bubbly masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Unlike traditional pasta bakes that can be heavy and time-consuming, this recipe uses crescent roll dough as a fun and flaky base, cutting down prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Its versatility also makes it a winner: swap out the chicken for turkey or add your favorite veggies to customize it to your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some broccoli for the kids, who will barely notice the green when it’s smothered in cheesy Alfredo goodness.

If you love creamy pasta dishes like the Chicken Bacon Alfredo Baked Pasta, this crescent pasta bake will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.

What to Buy

• 8 ounces crescent roll dough – Look for refrigerated crescent rolls in the bakery section. This provides a flaky, buttery crust that complements the creamy filling.
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Use rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts for a tender texture.
• 1 cup Alfredo sauce – Choose your favorite store-bought Alfredo sauce or make your own for extra flavor.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Freshly shredded is best for melting beautifully.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds a sharp, nutty kick to enhance the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed – Fresh or frozen broccoli works; steaming softens it just right.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses subtle warmth without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.

Equipment & Tools

• Baking dish (9×9-inch or similar) – Perfect size for layering your crescent dough and filling.
• Mixing bowl – To combine chicken, sauce, cheese, and seasonings.
• Steamer or microwave-safe bowl – For steaming broccoli florets.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
• Cheese grater – If shredding mozzarella and grating Parmesan from blocks.
• Fork or whisk – To mix ingredients evenly.

From Start to Finish: Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

Start by steaming your broccoli florets until they’re tender but still bright green—about 4-5 minutes. You can steam on the stovetop using a steamer basket or microwave them with a splash of water covered with a microwave-safe lid. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, steamed broccoli, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure the sauce coats every bit of chicken and broccoli.

Step 3: Prepare the Crescent Dough

Unroll the crescent roll dough and press the perforations together to form one solid sheet. Then, press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of your baking dish, creating a flaky crust base for the filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Bake

Pour the chicken Alfredo mixture into the prepared crescent dough crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top if you like an extra cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crescent dough is golden brown and the filling is bubbling hot. Keep an eye towards the end to avoid over-browning.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the bake to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything set up nicely for easier serving. Then, dish it out with your favorite salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you’re looking for a similar creamy and satisfying recipe to try next, be sure to check out the Chicken Alfredo Breadbowl, which offers a delicious twist with a warm bread bowl as the base.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free Alfredo sauce, vegan mozzarella, and nutritional yeast as a Parmesan substitute for a lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free: Swap crescent roll dough for a gluten-free pastry crust or gluten-free bread base.
• Chicken Alternative: Use shredded turkey or a plant-based chicken substitute for different protein options.
• Broccoli Swap: Substitute with spinach, asparagus, or zucchini for varied veggies.

Frequent Missteps to Avoid

• Skipping the dough perforation press: Pressing the crescent roll seams together is crucial to avoid gaps that can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
• Overcooking broccoli: Oversteamed broccoli becomes mushy and loses its bright color. Steam just until tender crisp.
• Under-seasoning: Alfredo sauce can be mild, so don’t forget to season your filling well with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to build flavor.
• Baking at too high a temperature: Baking at a temperature higher than 350°F can brown the crust too quickly before the filling is heated through.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can assemble the Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. This ensures even baking.

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reader Questions

Can I use fresh Alfredo sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Fresh Alfredo sauce made from butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan adds a rich, homemade flavor that elevates this dish. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling together well.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli directly in the bake?

It’s best to steam frozen broccoli first to remove excess moisture and avoid a watery filling. Steaming also helps the broccoli cook evenly and retain its flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the broccoli or add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also add a plant-based protein substitute to keep it hearty.

What is the best way to shred the cooked chicken?

The easiest method is to use two forks to pull the cooked chicken apart into thin shreds. You can also pulse it a few times in a food processor for a finer texture, but be careful not to over-process.

Don’t Miss These

• Chicken Alfredo Breadbowl – A creamy, comforting dish served inside a warm bread bowl.
• Chicken Bacon Alfredo Baked Pasta – A cheesy pasta bake with the savory addition of crispy bacon.

Wrap-Up

This Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake brings together simple ingredients for a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. The flaky crescent dough base adds a unique texture twist, while the creamy chicken, cheese, and broccoli filling offers both comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal to impress guests, this recipe checks all the boxes for ease, flavor, and satisfaction.

So next time you want a quick meal that tastes like it took hours, give this Chicken Alfredo Crescent Pasta Bake a try—and enjoy every cheesy, creamy, delicious bite!

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