Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner recipe that’s both comforting and easy to make? These Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and melty cheese all wrapped in golden pizza dough. With a crisp exterior and a gooey center, these homemade calzones deliver big restaurant-style flavor right from your oven.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Perfect way to use up leftover chicken
-
Stuffed with creamy Alfredo and gooey cheese
-
Golden and crispy on the outside, melty on the inside
-
Customizable with your favorite veggies or meats
-
Ideal for family dinners, parties, and meal prep
Ingredients Breakdown
Dough & Assembly:
-
1 pound pizza dough – The soft, chewy base for holding all the savory fillings.
-
Flour (for dusting) – Prevents sticking when rolling out the dough.
-
1 egg, beaten – Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on top.
-
Olive oil (for brushing) – Adds flavor and helps crisp the crust.
Filling:
-
1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded – Provides lean protein and hearty texture.
-
1 cup Alfredo sauce – Creamy, garlicky base that ties the filling together.
-
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy center.
-
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds sharp, salty flavor depth.
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder & 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Enhances the savory flavor with herbs and spice.
-
¼ cup fresh spinach, chopped – Adds freshness, color, and a touch of nutrition.
Tips and Tricks
-
Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
-
Crispier crust: Brush olive oil over the egg wash for added crunch.
-
No soggy bottoms: Drain excess liquid from spinach if using frozen.
-
Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes in batches.
Variations and Customizations
-
Meaty Option: Add crumbled or Italian sausage.
-
Veggie Delight: Load with mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions.
-
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
-
Different Sauces: Try pesto or marinara instead of Alfredo.
Pairing Suggestions
-
Side Salad: Pair with Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad.
-
Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra Alfredo, marinara, or ranch.
-
Drink Pairing: Enjoy with sparkling water,, or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating
-
Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Freeze: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
-
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make calzones ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Advertisements
Q: What if I don’t have Alfredo sauce?
A: Use a homemade white sauce or substitute with a cheesy garlic cream sauce.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, use gluten-free pizza dough and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 calzones
Description
Baked Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Fluffy pizza dough stuffed with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and fresh spinach—baked until golden and bubbly. Comfort food meets Italian flair
Advertisements
Ingredients
-
1 pound pizza dough
-
1 cup cooked chicken breast
-
1 cup Alfredo sauce
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
¼ cup fresh spinach
-
1 egg
-
Flour
-
Olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Roll Out the Dough
-
Lightly dust your surface with flour.
-
Divide pizza dough into 4 equal pieces.
-
Roll each piece into an 8-inch circle, about ¼-inch thick.
3. Mix the Filling
-
In a medium bowl, combine:
-
Shredded chicken
-
Alfredo sauce
-
Mozzarella
-
Parmesan
-
Garlic powder
-
Italian seasoning
-
Chopped spinach
-
-
Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Calzones
-
Spoon the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving about a ½-inch border.
-
Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
-
Press and seal the edges, then crimp with a fork.
5. Add Finishing Touches
-
Place calzones on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Brush the tops with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.
-
Use a knife to cut a small slit on the top of each to release steam.
6. Bake to Perfection
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until calzones are golden brown and fully cooked.
-
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
-
Let the calzones cool for 5 minutes before cutting—this helps the filling set.
-
Use a pizza cutter for clean slices and easy serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements