Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe
There is something undeniably irresistible about comfort food that feels both hearty and indulgent, and that’s exactly why the Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe has claimed a special spot in my kitchen rotation. These golden pockets are loaded with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and ooey-gooey mozzarella, all wrapped up in perfectly flaky pizza dough that browns to crisp, buttery perfection. Every bite delivers that rich, savory bite you crave from Alfredo pasta but with the fun, portable twist of a calzone. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward but essential to achieving that classic creamy, cheesy, and flavorful experience. Each component plays a vital role in texture, meltiness, and overall taste that brings these calzones to life.
- 1 pound pizza dough: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the golden, flaky shell that holds all the delicious fillings.
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken: Tender chicken adds protein and a hearty base to balance the richness of the sauce and cheese.
- ¾ cup Alfredo sauce: The star creamy sauce that makes each bite heavenly; feel free to use homemade or your favorite jarred variety.
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and creates that gooey, stringy texture that makes calzones feel like a cheesy dream.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely nutty depth and a subtle salty kick to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor without overpowering the delicate creaminess.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings aromatic complexity to every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings to balance and brighten the flavors perfectly.
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash): Creating that beautiful golden shine and crisp texture on the crust.
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish: A fresh, colorful touch that lifts the presentation and adds subtle herbaceous notes.
How to Make Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper ensures your calzones don’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. This simple step sets the stage for the golden, crispy crust you’re about to create.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a spacious bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the creamy Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well blended, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor and gooey cheese.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and divide your pizza dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval or circle about 6 inches wide. This size holds just the right amount of filling and folds comfortably into a neat calzone pocket.
Step 4: Assemble the Calzones
On one half of each dough circle, spoon a generous amount of the chicken Alfredo mixture, leaving a border around the edges for sealing. Fold the dough over the filling to cover it completely, then press the edges firmly together. Use a fork to crimp the edges and ensure the filling stays inside while baking.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Place the calzones onto your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash to get that stunning glossy golden finish. Finally, cut a small slit on top of each calzone to allow steam to escape as they bake, preventing any sogginess inside.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the calzones are beautifully golden brown and crisp on the outside. Allow them to cool just a bit before digging in to enjoy gooey, creamy deliciousness without burning your mouth.
How to Serve Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds the perfect pop of color and herbal brightness that contrasts the richness of the calzones, making each serving both inviting and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
Pair your calzones with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of warm marinara dipping sauce. Both side options refresh the palate and complement the creamy, cheesy main event beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these calzones sliced in half on a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra Alfredo sauce, marinara, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sharing-style presentation turns a simple meal into a lively, interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating them gently helps preserve the crispy crust and melty cheese so nothing is lost in flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the calzones before baking by placing them on a tray lined with parchment paper and then transferring them to a freezer bag once firm. When ready to enjoy, thaw them slightly and bake from cold, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time for perfect results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat these calzones is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and delicious, avoiding sogginess that can happen with microwave reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor, making it perfect for this Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute the Alfredo sauce?
Definitely. While homemade Alfredo brings freshness, a good-quality jarred sauce works wonderfully when you’re short on time. Just pick one with creamy texture and balanced flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Yes, adding spinach or sautéed mushrooms are excellent ways to boost nutrition and add layers of flavor to your calzones.
What type of cheese works best besides mozzarella?
Mozzarella’s meltiness is ideal, but you could also mix in provolone or fontina for an extra cheesy, rich profile without straying too far from the classic.
How do I know when the calzones are fully cooked?
They’re ready once the crust turns a golden brown with crisp edges, and the filling is heated through. The slit on top helps steam escape, ensuring the dough doesn’t get soggy inside.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, the Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe is your answer. It’s simple enough to make any night of the week, yet special enough to impress family and friends. Once you try these cheesy, creamy pockets of joy, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake up some happiness!
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Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Cheesy Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Heavenly Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones are stuffed with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped in golden, flaky pizza dough. These cheesy, comforting pockets are perfect for dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With rich flavor and crisp edges, they’re everything you love about Alfredo pasta—wrapped up and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Calzone Dough
- 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¾ cup Alfredo sauce (homemade or jarred)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
- Shape Dough: On a floured surface, divide the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval or circle approximately 6 inches in diameter to form the calzone base.
- Fill and Seal Calzones: Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture onto one half of each dough piece, leaving a clear border around the edges. Fold the dough over to cover the filling, then press the edges firmly to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they stay sealed during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Vent: Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to get a shiny golden crust. Cut a small slit in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake: Bake the calzones in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the calzones cool slightly after baking. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can add spinach or cooked mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Calzones can be frozen before baking; simply thaw slightly and bake from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Serve with warm marinara sauce or extra Alfredo sauce for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
