Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls — Creamy Chicken Alfredo Comfort
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls for a blustery Sunday night. I’d been craving something cozy but a little playful — pasta meets garlic bread, all in one edible bowl. The family clustered around the counter, dipping and scraping melted cheese and creamy sauce from crisp bread edges, and I knew this would be one of those recipes I’d return to again and again. It’s the perfect mash-up of Italian-American comfort with a fun, shareable presentation that works for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or when you simply need a little indulgence.
Who is this recipe for?
- This recipe is for busy parents, cozy-dinner seekers, and beginners who want a forgiving, delicious meal that looks impressive with minimal fuss.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish combines seasoned chicken, your choice of pasta, a jar of Alfredo sauce, and toasted kaiser roll “bowls” brushed with garlic butter. The main components are: 3 pieces chicken breasts (cubed), 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice), 6 Kaiser rolls, 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz), 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 3–4 teaspoons garlic and herb seasoning, 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools (you’ll need):
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan (medium to large)
- Colander or strainer
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush or small spoon (for butter)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or toaster oven
- Oven mitts
Ingredients (with quick benefits):
- 3 pieces Chicken breasts, cut into cubes — Lean protein to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 pound Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice) — The starchy base that carries the creamy sauce.
- 6 pieces Kaiser rolls (or more if needed) — Sturdy bread bowls that crisp up and hold the filling.
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (about 15 oz) — Time-saving creamy sauce that provides rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted — Adds golden richness and helps the bread toast evenly.
- 3–4 teaspoons Garlic and herb seasoning — Brings aromatic, savory flavor throughout.
- 1/2 cup Shredded parmesan cheese — Salty, nutty finish and great melting topper.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil — For searing chicken and adding a delicious crust.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) — Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Please ensure your oven rack is in the middle position.
- Season the cubed chicken with 2–3 teaspoons of the garlic and herb seasoning, plus salt and pepper to your taste.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta well in a colander.
- Slice the tops off the kaiser rolls and gently hollow out the centers to create bowls, leaving enough bread on the sides and bottom for structure.
- Combine the melted butter with 1–2 teaspoons of garlic and herb seasoning in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush or spoon to brush the inside and the edges of each hollowed roll generously with the garlic butter.
- Place the buttered bread bowls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 4–5 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden.
- In a large mixing bowl or back in the skillet, combine the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and the jar of Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine and heat through if needed. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning.
- Spoon the chicken Alfredo mixture into each toasted bread bowl. Sprinkle the top of each filled bowl with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Return the filled bread bowls to the oven for 4–5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges of the bread are crisp.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and garnish with chopped parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can freeze the chicken Alfredo mixture (without the bread bowls) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. The bread bowls are best made fresh to preserve crispness.
Q: What can I use instead of kaiser rolls?
A: You can use sturdy round rolls, small sourdough boules, or even hollowed-out large bread rolls. Avoid very soft or thin rolls that won’t hold the filling.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes — replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or a plant-based chicken alternative for a meatless version.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Place leftover filled bowls on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat just the filling in a skillet and toast fresh rolls.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overfill the bread bowls: leave a little space to avoid spillage when baking the cheese on top.
- Toast the hollowed rolls well: a brief initial bake seals the interior so it won’t get soggy when filled.
- Use good-quality Alfredo sauce or add a splash of heavy cream and extra Parmesan to elevate store-bought sauce.
- Cook the pasta to al dente: it will hold up better when mixed and reheated.
Conclusion
If you want to try a similar variation or follow a step-by-step guide, check out this Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls Recipe. For a quick, 40-minute version you can reference Easy 40 Minute Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls. If you’re curious about the version that went viral online, take a look at The Viral Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread I’m Obsessed With. For a slightly different technique and more kitchen tips, this This Alfredo Bread Bowl Recipe Is the Comfort Meal You’ve Been … is helpful. And if you love the idea of Alfredo flavors on bread in a new format, see Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Pizza – Kudos Kitchen by Renee.
Enjoy your meal — and please share photos if you make them!
Always add
tag after Directions.