If you love cheesy comfort food but need easy dinner ideas that won’t break the bank, this Chicken Alfredo Calzone is the ultimate solution. Imagine tender, shredded chicken enveloped in golden, buttery pizza dough and filled with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that oozes with every bite. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella makes every bite melt in your mouth, perfect for simple family recipes that impress without stress.

This recipe is ideal for healthy cooking at home, offering a filling, protein-packed meal that’s customizable for your family. Whether you’re tackling busy weeknights or looking for quick weeknight recipes that satisfy everyone at the table, these calzones are the perfect choice. With a crispy exterior and indulgent interior, they bring all the flavors of classic Chicken Alfredo into a handheld, budget-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy dinner prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and quick weeknight recipes.
Family-approved comfort food: Cheesy, creamy, and savory—kids and adults alike will ask for seconds.
Budget-friendly ingredients: Made with simple groceries you likely already have, great for affordable meals.
Meal prep friendly: Can be made ahead or frozen for later, ideal for meal prep recipes and leftover hacks.
Beginner-friendly cooking: No advanced cooking skills required—perfect for easy dinner for beginners.
Portable and party-ready: Handheld calzones are perfect for easy party food ideas or game night snacks.

Ingredient Breakdown:

Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich base for the Alfredo sauce and helps create a golden, flavorful crust. Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning precisely.
Fresh Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic enhances the dish without extra calories and is a staple in healthy ingredients.
Heavy Cream: Key to creating the creamy, velvety texture that makes Alfredo sauce irresistible. It thickens the filling to prevent it from leaking.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a fragrant blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, enhancing flavor effortlessly.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives the sauce a nutty, salty depth. Freshly grated Parmesan is the best cheese for cooking and melts beautifully.
Salt + Black Pepper: Balances the richness and highlights the other flavors.
Pizza Dough: Forms the calzone crust, providing structure and crispiness. Both store-bought and homemade dough work well.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Adds protein and makes the dish filling. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a gooey, melty center that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Softened Butter + Fresh Parsley: Brushed on top for added flavor, shine, and color. Fresh herbs elevate both taste and presentation.

Pro Tips

Let the Alfredo cool slightly before filling: This prevents the sauce from making the dough slippery and ensures a smooth assembly.
Don’t overfill the calzones: Excess filling can burst during air fryer cooking. Moderate amounts guarantee even baking.
Roll the dough evenly: Keep it about ¼ inch thick for uniform cooking and avoid tearing.
Preheat the air fryer: Ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted filling.
Seal the edges tightly: Use a fork to crimp edges for a secure calzone that keeps the filling inside.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb flatbread or keto-friendly dough for a lighter meal.
Vegetarian Variation: Replace chicken with spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or roasted vegetables.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a touch of buffalo sauce.
Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap pizza dough for gluten-free dough or tortillas.
Extra-Cheesy Version: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with marinara sauce for dipping, which adds acidity and balances the creamy filling.
Pair with a crisp Caesar or garden salad for a healthy weeknight meal.
Complement with garlic green beans or roasted broccoli for nutritious side dishes.
For parties, slice into strips and serve with a trio of dips: marinara, Alfredo, and garlic butter.
Pair with soups like tomato basil or chicken gnocchi for a comforting family dinner.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooked calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Freezing: Fully cooked calzones freeze up to 3 months. Wrap in foil and place in a freezer bag for best freezer meals.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 3–5 minutes
- Oven: 375°F for 10 minutes
- Microwave: Quick option but crust won’t be crisp
Prep-Ahead Tip: Assemble calzones, freeze unbaked on a tray for 1 hour, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes. Perfect for healthy lunch prep and busy nights.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Calzones have a long history in southern Italy, traditionally designed as portable meals for workers. This modern Chicken Alfredo Calzone blends classic Italian techniques with American comfort food, transforming creamy Chicken Alfredo into a handheld, family-friendly dish. It’s perfect for holiday dinner recipes, traditional family meals, or any occasion that calls for cheesy comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! It’s ideal for meal prep recipes because it freezes well before or after baking.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Air fryer reheating keeps the crust crispy.

Can I make this recipe healthier?
Yes—substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, use whole wheat dough, or add vegetables to increase nutrition.

What substitutions can I use for allergies or dietary needs?
For gluten-free recipes, use gluten-free dough. For dairy-free, use non-dairy cheese and coconut milk cream. Keto dough works for low-carb dinner ideas.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.