If you’re searching for a simple yet absolutely delicious meal that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance, look no further than Chicken Alfredo Calzone! Creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying, this dish is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian favorite. And here’s a fun fact: calzones, with their stuffed goodness, are said to have started in Naples, where they were originally filled with simple ingredients that made for a hearty meal anyone could put together. The best part? This Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe is not just easy to make; it’s also perfect for families! Whether you’re trying to impress your friends at game night or just looking for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
When compared to classic pizza, this calzone is like pizza’s well-dressed cousin—fancy enough for a dinner party but casual enough for a Friday night in. It combines all the beloved flavors of Chicken Alfredo with the fun, hand-held feature of a calzone. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get excited to make Chicken Alfredo Calzone together!
What is Chicken Alfredo Calzone?
So, what exactly is a Chicken Alfredo Calzone? Well, let me break it down for you. Imagine your favorite Chicken Alfredo pasta, but instead of serving it in a bowl, we tuck all that creamy goodness inside a lovely pizza dough pocket. Quite an enticing idea, isn’t it? Some say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this calzone is undoubtedly the route to victory! It’s no wonder that this delightful dish has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many.
Why do we call it a calzone? The name comes from the Italian word for “pants” or “trouser,” perfectly representing how the dough envelops the delicious filling. So, are you ready to try your hand at making your very own Chicken Alfredo Calzone? You won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Alfredo Calzone
First off, the main highlight of this Chicken Alfredo Calzone is the indulgent, creamy filling. Nothing compares to that velvety texture combined with tender chicken and gooey cheese—pure comfort in every bite! Secondly, by making it at home, you’re saving a bundle compared to ordering it from your favorite restaurant. Plus, you get to control every ingredient, ensuring only the freshest and most flavorful components go into your calzone.
And let’s not forget the toppings! A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate this dish to another level, while a side of marinara sauce offers the perfect dip. If you love a good pizza, you’ll definitely want to try this calzone—it’s like pizza, but on steroids! So grab your apron, and let’s get rolling with this fantastic recipe!
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Calzone
Quick Overview
Making Chicken Alfredo Calzone is easier than you might think! With just a few simple ingredients and about 40 minutes of your time, you are on your way to enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal that family and friends will adore. The best part? You’ll have a creamy, delicious filling that tastes just like your favorite Chicken Alfredo, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy crust. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Key Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Calzone
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pizza Dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup of Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of ricotta cheese
- ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or a large plate to cut circles, about 8 inches in diameter.
- Fill the Calzone: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a little space around the edges to seal.
- Seal It Up: Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circular shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help them achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
What to Serve Chicken Alfredo Calzone With
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving your Chicken Alfredo Calzone with a fresh side salad topped with Italian dressing. A simple marinara sauce makes an amazing dip for the calzones, adding an extra burst of flavor. And for drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or sparkling water will complement this comforting dish beautifully!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Alfredo Calzone
- Dough Matters: For the best results, use high-quality pizza dough. You can opt for store-bought or make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply fill the calzones and bake!
- Customize It: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or substitute different cheeses to personalize your calzone. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions.
- Watch for Browning: Keep an eye on the calzones as they bake; if they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your Chicken Alfredo Calzones cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the calzones on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For long-term storage, you can freeze the calzones after baking them. Just make sure to let them cool and wrap them tightly. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Now that you’re armed with this scrumptious Chicken Alfredo Calzone recipe and tips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Enjoy a fun evening filled with laughter, cooking, and of course, delicious calzones that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Chicken Alfredo Calzone
Ingredients
Dough and Filling
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Pizza Dough
- 1 batch Pizza Dough store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- On a floured surface, roll out your pizza dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or a large plate to cut circles, about 8 inches in diameter.
Assembly
- Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a little space around the edges to seal.
- Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a semi-circular shape. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly, ensuring no filling escapes.
Baking
- Place the calzones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to help them achieve a beautiful golden color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
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