This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Cauliflower Rice Bake Is So Good

44.6K
892
338
2025-11-03
This Creamy Chicken Alfredo Cauliflower Rice Bake Is So Good
Prep Time:
20 mins
Bake Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
6
Yield:
5 cups

Making homemade Chicken Alfredo Casserole might seem like an indulgent weekend recipe but this easy-on-the-cook, less decadent version is definitely doable on a Tuesday night. After processing the cauliflower rice, every ingredient is stirred together in the same dish in which it bakes. Who doesn't love fewer dishes to wash? Easy step-saving ingredients like prewashed greens, rotisserie chicken, and purchased Alfredo sauce (though if you prefer, you can make your own homemade Alfredo Sauce,) cut valuable minutes from the prep time. As a bonus, this no-guilt casserole has fewer calories than it's full flavored classic. Cauliflower stealthily stands in for the usual higher carb and calorie starch—regular rice or noodles. Together, cauliflower and spinach contribute a full veggie serving per portion.

Chicken Alfredo Cauliflower Rice Bake Ingredients

  • Cauliflower: One medium head of cauliflower (2 .25 to 2.5 lbs.) will yield about 5 ½ cups of riced cauliflower. If you're really short on time, look for frozen riced cauliflower in the freezer section of your grocery store. Thaw (and drain if necessary) 2, 10-oz. packages before baking as directed in the recipe.
  • Dried Herb: Classic Alfredo sauce typically is made without herbs but we added a touch of basil for extra flavor. If you prefer to use fresh basil increase the amount to 1 tablespoon. You may also swap in oregano, chives, and/or parsley.
  • Baby Spinach: One 6-oz. package of prewashed baby spinach is more than enough for this recipe. It's an easy ingredient to add to a variety of recipes. Get creative with how to use up the rest of the bag of spinach.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: The average rotisserie deli chicken is around two pounds and will yield about 3 cups of white and dark meat, which is plenty for this recipe.
  • Light Alfredo Pasta Sauce: Premade lower calorie Alfredo sauce can be found in the pasta aisle of your grocery store with other shelf-stable sauces, but consider refrigerated sauces that may be found in the dairy section of the store as well. A 15-oz. container of refrigerated light Alfredo sauce is an ideal substitute. If you need to make this casserole gluten-free, you can find a number of manufacturers who make gluten- and dairy-free options.
  • Bread Crumbs: Purchased panko (Japanese bread crumbs) is a simple convenient crispy topper but if you don't have any in your pantry there are other ways to add a crispy topper to this dish. Buttered cracker crumbs, soft or dry bread crumbs mixed with oil or melted butter will all work.

Ingredients

  • 1 (2.25-2.5 pound) head cauliflower, trimmed and broken into florets

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 ½ cup fresh baby spinach

  • 2 cup chopped rotisserie chicken

  • 1 (14.5 ounce) jar light Alfredo pasta sauce

  • 2 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Working in batches, cover and pulse cauliflower in a food processor four to six times or until crumbly and resembles rice.

  2. Transfer cauliflower "rice" to a 3-qt. casserole. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp. of the oil and sprinkle with basil, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Bake 15 minutes.

  3. Stir in spinach, chicken, and pasta sauce; sprinkle with cheese. Combine panko and remaining 2 Tbsp. oil; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture. Bake 20 to 25 minutes more or until top is brown.

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo Cauliflower Rice Bake?

You won't need much to round out this one-dish meal. A quick bread fix-up, or a simple fresh vegetable side dish should suffice.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

255 Calories
16g Fat
12g Carbs
17g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 255
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 743mg 32%
Total Carbohydrate 12g 4%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 17g 34%
Vitamin C 30.8mg 34%
Calcium 97mg 7%
Iron 1.2mg 7%
Potassium 346mg 7%
Folate, total 59.7mcg
Vitamin B-12 0.2mcg
Vitamin B-6 0.2mg

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Related Article

What Not to Cook in Cast Iron, A Top Chef Winner Weighs In
49.1K
491
142

What Not to Cook in Cast Iron, A Top Chef Winner Weighs In

Avoid these foods to keep your cast-iron skillet in great shape.
What Is Butterscotch? Discover How It's Different From Caramel, Toffee, and More
13.3K
1.2K
120

What Is Butterscotch? Discover How It's Different From Caramel, Toffee, and More

What is butterscotch, exactly? We asked food experts to explain what is butterscotch, how butterscotch got its name, and what makes butterscotch different from its cousins, caramel, toffee, and dulce de leche. Then once you’re well-versed in the variances, we’re dishing up our best butterscotch recipes to try at home.
Oven Beef and Barley Stew
46.6K
466
46

Oven Beef and Barley Stew

Although this looks like a traditional beef stew recipe, it's not made like one. While the beef braises in the oven, the carrots, mushrooms, and onions roast on a sheet pan alongside for a caramelized flavor.
Lime Chicken Tortilla Soup
28.2K
1.7K
253

Lime Chicken Tortilla Soup

Keep the prep time speedy while making this healthy soup recipe by using purchased rotisserie chicken or other pre-cooked chicken product you love. Or, next time you're baking a chicken dish, throw an extra breast or two on the pan to use later in the week.
24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes
31.9K
3.2K
1.2K

24 of Our Favorite and Most Delicious Classic Italian Recipes

Start with classic Italian pasta recipes and end with a homemade dessert like you'd get in a trattoria for the ultimate Mediterranean meal.
14 Side Dishes for Steak Including Veggies, Potatoes, and More
26.1K
261
112

14 Side Dishes for Steak Including Veggies, Potatoes, and More

Balance your savory meal with one of our side dishes for steak. From homemade fries to edamame salad, we've got all the recipes you'll need to put together a steakhouse-worthy dinner.
15 Side Dishes for Spaghetti Including Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, and More
15.5K
618
265

15 Side Dishes for Spaghetti Including Garlic Bread, Caesar Salad, and More

These side dishes for spaghetti are the perfect pairing for your next Italian dinner. Whether you're looking for simple salads, roasted vegetables, bread, or meatballs, these sides are the answer to "what goes with spaghetti."
Hasselback Squash
7.6K
381
76

Hasselback Squash

Make butternut squash even more delicious by stuffing it with goat cheese or caramelized onions.
Our Best Side Dishes for Pork Chops Are the Ultimate Way to Round Out Your Meal
24.5K
489
215

Our Best Side Dishes for Pork Chops Are the Ultimate Way to Round Out Your Meal

Side dishes for pork chops can go far beyond applesauce. (Although that is a delightful pairing, and an applesauce recipe is definitely included among our best side dishes for pork chops!) Try roasted vegetables, buttery biscuits, salads, and casseroles to complement your top-notch chops.
14 Side Dishes for Chicken to Complete Your Meal
2.3K
137
46

14 Side Dishes for Chicken to Complete Your Meal

When it comes to chicken dinners, the spotlight may not always be on side dishes. But, they are most certainly the co-stars that make an entire meal shine even more brightly. These side dishes for chicken are amazing sidekicks to a variety of main course ideas.
The Best Sugar Cookies
2.8K
255
63

The Best Sugar Cookies

Making decorated sugar cookies with the best sugar cookie recipe is a must. Whip up a batch of these sugar cookies from scratch and decorate them with royal icing—the best sugar cookie icing recipe to match any special occasion.
Pavlova with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries
9.7K
194
85

Pavlova with Lemon Curd and Fresh Berries

Light and airy meringue complements tart lemon curd and fresh berries perfectly for a sweet dessert option.
How to Cook Steak in the Oven
37.3K
2.6K
365

How to Cook Steak in the Oven

Have you always wanted to learn how to cook a steak in the oven? Follow this guide and become a master!
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
10.8K
325
130

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This crispy eggplant Parmesan is short on calories but big on flavor.
Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies
27K
2.2K
388

Kiwi-Pineapple Smoothies

Whether you blend it up for breakfast or as a snack, this healthy smoothie with spinach will become your new favorite green drink. Yogurt and banana give this pineapple smoothie its rich, satisfying texture.
Cranberry Mulled Wine
1.1K
21
3

Cranberry Mulled Wine

Utilize leftover cranberry sauce to make this warm and cozy beverage.
The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip
48.1K
1.4K
216

The Bicicletta Will Make You Feel Like You’re Summering in Italy with Every Sip

A mixture of an Aperol Spritz and negroni, the Bicicletta is satisfyingly bitter and refreshing. Plus, the low-proof cocktail brings the Mediterranean to you.
Cherry Sangria
21.2K
1.3K
216

Cherry Sangria

Brighten up a bold bottle of red wine by mixing it with cherries, orange liqueur and fruit juice. This might just be the best sangria recipe you'll ever taste!
The Best (and Worst) Ways to Hold a Wine Glass, According to Sommeliers
22.5K
1.3K
269

The Best (and Worst) Ways to Hold a Wine Glass, According to Sommeliers

Discover how to hold a wine glass to maximize your enjoyment of the wine. These tips for the best ways to hold a wine glass will also help you look like a pro and keep the wine at the optimal temperature for longer. We’re also revealing the worst way to hold a wine glass.
The 3-Ingredient Ranch Water Is Sure to Be Your Go-To Casual Cocktail This Summer
14.7K
294
67

The 3-Ingredient Ranch Water Is Sure to Be Your Go-To Casual Cocktail This Summer

Light and refreshing, the ranch water cocktail needs just 3 ingredients, and it's so easy to make yourself, so it's the perfect casual drink to sip on all summer long.