The Chicken Alfredo Bake might be just what you need for a simple and easy dinner! I have bought these from Costco many times before. When I know I am going to be busy, or I just can’t think of what to cook, they are perfect.
This Alfredo Bake is one of the store’s pre-packed grab-and-go meals that they sell in the deli section.
Chicken Alfredo from Costco is a popular ready-to-eat meal that many people grab for convenient weeknight dinners. But a common question is, how long should you cook Costco’s chicken alfredo to make sure it’s safe and delicious? In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to perfectly cook this tasty pasta dish.
An Overview of Costco’s Chicken Alfredo
A pasta dish at Costco called chicken alfredo has soft strips of chicken breast, penne pasta, and a rich alfredo sauce. You can buy it already made in the chilled deli section of Costco warehouses.
Here are some key things to know about this convenient meal:
- Comes in a plastic tray that contains around 4 pounds of food
- Requires simple preparation – just bake in the oven
- Provides multiple servings, so great for feeding families
- Offers a restaurant-quality pasta dish without much effort
- Allows you to enjoy creamy, cheesy alfredo sauce without making it from scratch
Now let’s get into the cooking instructions and timing for heating up this pasta meal.
How to Cook Costco’s Chicken Alfredo from Frozen
Most of the time, Costco’s chicken alfredo comes frozen in a tray. The first thing you need to do is thaw it properly.
- Refrigerator thawing: Unwrap the tray and place it in the refrigerator for 18-24 hours. This slowly thaws the meal.
- Microwave thawing: Use the defrost function to thaw in the microwave in 5-7 minute intervals, checking and stirring in between. Watch carefully to prevent cooking.
- Cold water thawing: Submerge the sealed tray in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. This method thaws it fastest.
Once thawed, follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove clear plastic lid from tray.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes.
The baking time range accounts for oven differences. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
After baking, you’ll have hot, delicious chicken alfredo ready to serve!
How Long to Cook Costco’s Chicken Alfredo from Refrigerated
If the chicken alfredo tray isn’t frozen and is instead refrigerated when you purchase it, the cooking time can be a little shorter. Follow these instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Remove clear plastic lid from tray.
- Cover with foil and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Since the meal isn’t frozen, it will heat through faster. But still check the temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Tips for Cooking Costco’s Chicken Alfredo
Here are some extra tips to cook Costco’s chicken alfredo to perfection:
- Always use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven temperature is accurate. This prevents over or undercooking.
- Check the internal temperature in multiple spots with a food thermometer to guarantee even cooking.
- Add extra alfredo sauce, vegetables, or spices to personalize the flavor if desired.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with parsley, shredded Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
What If I Don’t Have an Oven?
You can also cook Costco’s chicken alfredo without using an oven:
- Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish for 4-6 minutes, checking internal temperature. Stir halfway through.
- Stovetop: Cook in saucepan over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through.
- Slow cooker: Add tray contents to a slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is 165°F.
These alternative cooking methods allow you to enjoy this pasta even if you don’t have access to an oven!
Serving and Storing Leftover Chicken Alfredo
Costco’s chicken alfredo makes multiple hearty servings. Here are some serving tips:
- Plan on about 1.5 cups per serving. A 4-pound tray feeds 5-6 people.
- Pair with salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli for a complete meal.
- Top with extra shredded cheese, chili flakes, or parsley for garnish.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 4 days.
- Freeze extras in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
With proper storage, you can continue enjoying this flavorful pasta dish all week long!
Is Costco’s Chicken Alfredo Healthy?
While creamy and indulgent, Costco’s chicken alfredo can fit into a balanced diet. Here is the nutrition information per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Total fat: 18g
- Saturated fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total carbs: 30g
- Protein: 20g
So while higher in calories than a salad, it does provide lean protein, some fiber from the pasta, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Eaten in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, it can be a satisfying choice.
Final Tips for Cooking Costco Chicken Alfredo
Cooking Costco’s convenient chicken alfredo pasta is easy. Here are the key tips to remember:
- Thaw fully if frozen before baking
- Preheat oven to 400°F
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Check temperature in multiple spots
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
- Refrigerate or freeze leftovers promptly
If you follow these steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken alfredo whenever you want! This pasta dish tastes like it came from a restaurant and doesn’t take much work, so it’s a great choice for busy families on weeknights.
What is it made of?
The chicken alfredo bake includes penne pasta, chicken breast strips, alfredo sauce, romano & parmesan cheese, and it sprinkles with parsley on top.
The label on the package contains cooking instructions. It says to preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Remove the clear lid. Cover with foil and place onto a cookie sheet on the center rack in the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Here is a photo of the label that contains the cooking instructions. I’ve made this bake a lot of times, and I like to cook it a little differently than what it says on the package.
Costco Chicken Alfredo Review and Cooking Instructions
FAQ
How long do you cook chicken Parmesan from Costco?
How do you cook Costco chicken parmesan from frozen? Start by preheating your oven to 350oF, and then add the frozen chicken parmesan cutlets to a baking sheet. Cook in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they reach a minimum internal temperature of 165oF. Remove and serve as desired.
How long to cook chicken melts from Costco?
Costco’s Sandwich Bros. Chicken Melts can be cooked in the microwave or air fryer. In the microwave, a single sandwich takes about 1 minute, and two sandwiches take 1 minute 30 seconds, according to Instacart.
How long does chicken alfredo take to cook?
Costco’s chicken alfredo should be cooked for 40 to 50 minutes at 350 F in the oven, although usually, it will take a little while longer. Therefore, I recommend starting to check the chicken alfredo after 40 minutes of heating and continuing to check it every 10 minutes until it is done.
How do you cook chicken alfredo at Costco?
To cook Costco’s chicken alfredo, you have a few options: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the lid from the chicken alfredo package. Heat it for 40 to 50 minutes, or until heated through. It may need up to 1 hour. Let it cool for about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy. Remove the lid and place it as a serving uncovered in the microwave.
Can You reheat Costco chicken alfredo?
You should eat the Costco Chicken Alfredo as soon as it’s ready, but you can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and put it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and cook the pasta and chicken as instructed.
Is Costco chicken Alfredo Pasta good?
The Costco chicken alfredo pasta is something we buy about once a month when we are in the mood for an easy pasta dinner. From time to time, the ready-to-cook dinner isn’t very good, but most of the time it is.
How long do you cook chicken alfredo in the microwave?
Remove the lid from the chicken alfredo package. Heat it for 40 to 50 minutes, or until heated through. It may need up to 1 hour. Let it cool for about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy. Remove the lid and place it as a serving uncovered in the microwave. Check to see if it is heated. If not, give it 1 minute more and check again.
How to make chicken alfredo?
Chicken Alfredo is made with tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s creamy and delicious, and it’s a treat for dinner. Begin by cooking the chicken. Both sides of chicken breasts should be seasoned with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat add a drizzle of olive oil to heat.