Golden, flaky calzones stuffed with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and melted mozzarella – this recipe is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners. Imagine biting into a crispy crust that gives way to a warm, cheesy filling that tastes like your favorite pasta dish wrapped up in handheld form.
If you love easy dinner ideas that double as party food favorites, these homemade chicken Alfredo calzones will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. They’re kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making them a versatile dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy & cheesy filling – Packed with Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
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Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love handheld cheesy meals.
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Perfect for busy weeknights – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
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Customizable – Easily swap in veggies, different cheeses, or other proteins.
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Freezer-friendly – Make ahead and bake when needed for quick meals.
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Restaurant-quality at home – Crispy golden crust and rich cheesy filling.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s look at what makes these baked calzones so irresistible:
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Pizza Dough: The base of the calzone – chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside. Store-bought or homemade both work.
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Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded chicken adds protein and soaks up the Alfredo sauce beautifully. Great use for rotisserie chicken.
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Alfredo Sauce: The creamy heart of the filling. Use homemade or high-quality jarred sauce for best results.
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Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly, giving that iconic stretchy cheese pull.
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Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and enhances the creaminess of the Alfredo.
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Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: Boost flavor with classic Italian notes.
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Fresh Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritional boost.
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Egg Wash: Brushed over the top for a golden, glossy finish.
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Olive Oil & Flour: For rolling, brushing, and ensuring the dough doesn’t stick.
Pro Tips for Perfect Calzones
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Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause leaks while baking.
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Seal tightly – Use a fork or pinch method to keep the cheesy filling inside.
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Let them cool briefly – Hot Alfredo filling can burn if eaten right away.
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Use high-quality sauce – The Alfredo is the flavor star, so choose a good one or make it from scratch.
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Brush with egg wash – This gives a beautiful bakery-style golden crust.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
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Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip chicken and load up on mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted peppers.
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Cheese Swap: Try provolone, cheddar, or ricotta inside for new flavor twists.
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the filling.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pizza dough for a GF-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
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Add a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
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Serve smaller calzones as a party appetizer or game-day snack.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Assemble calzones and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
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Freezer Friendly: Freeze uncooked calzones on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to cook time.
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Leftovers: Store baked calzones in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness – avoid the microwave to prevent soggy crust.
Cultural Notes
Calzones originated in Naples, Italy, as a portable version of pizza. Traditionally, they were street food filled with simple ingredients like cheese, ham, or vegetables. This modern twist with creamy Alfredo sauce and chicken combines Italian tradition with American comfort food cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use store-bought dough?
Yes! Store-bought pizza dough works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I make these calzones ahead of time?
Absolutely – prep and refrigerate unbaked calzones, then bake fresh when ready.
3. Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, just choose a good quality one. Homemade Alfredo sauce will taste even better.
4. How do I prevent calzones from bursting open?
Don’t overfill, seal edges tightly, and cut a steam vent on top before baking.
5. Can I freeze baked calzones?
Yes, but they may be softer when reheated. Freezing unbaked calzones is better for texture.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the pizza dough into four equal portions and roll each into an 8-inch (20 cm) circle.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and spinach. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spoon a generous scoop of filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges together firmly, then crimp with a fork to seal.
- Place calzones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg for a shiny golden finish. Cut a small slit in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until calzones are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving – the filling will be piping hot inside.
Notes
- Let calzones cool slightly before cutting or serving – the filling will be molten hot.
- For a healthier version, use whole-wheat dough and reduced-fat cheese.
- Add herbs like fresh basil or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.