Baked Chicken & Cheese Cannelloni in Rich Garlic Herb Alfredo Sauce
If you love creamy pasta, melted cheese, and cozy oven-baked meals, this recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites.
These stuffed pasta rolls are soft, tender, and filled with a savory mixture of chicken, cheese, and herbs. Then everything is covered in a luxurious white cream sauce and baked until bubbling and golden.
The result?
Rich. Creamy. Comforting. Irresistible.
Each bite gives you:
- silky pasta
- juicy filling
- creamy garlic sauce
- melted cheese
- warm herb flavor
It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want something hearty and satisfying.
And the best part? It looks super impressive… but it’s actually very simple.
🕒 Time & Servings
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
🧾 Ingredients
Pasta
- 12–14 cannelloni tubes OR lasagna sheets (for rolling)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
White Cream Sauce (Béchamel/Alfredo style)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups warm milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (parsley or Italian seasoning)
- salt & pepper to taste
Topping
- extra mozzarella
- dried herbs
- parmesan
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Oven
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
If using:
- cannelloni → cook 2–3 minutes only (slightly soft)
- lasagna sheets → cook until flexible
Do NOT overcook.
Drain and lay flat so they don’t stick.
Step 2 – Prepare the Filling
In a pan, heat olive oil.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Cook 2–3 minutes just to warm.
Remove from heat.
In a bowl mix:
- chicken
- ricotta
- mozzarella
- parmesan
Stir until creamy and well combined.
This filling should be thick but spreadable.
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy White Sauce
This is the magic part ✨
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes (this removes raw flour taste).
Slowly add warm milk while whisking.
Keep whisking to avoid lumps.
When thickened, add:
- heavy cream
- garlic
- cheese
- herbs
- salt & pepper
Cook until smooth and creamy.
Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Not too thick, not too thin.
Step 4 – Stuff the Pasta
Take each pasta tube or sheet.
Add 2–3 tablespoons filling.
If using sheets → roll tightly.
If using tubes → spoon filling inside.
Place seam-side down in baking dish.
Repeat until all are filled.
Line them neatly side-by-side.
Step 5 – Add the Sauce
Pour white sauce generously over pasta.
Make sure everything is covered.
No dry spots.
This keeps pasta soft while baking.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Add dried herbs.
Step 6 – Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cover with foil.
Bake 25 minutes.
Remove foil.
Bake 10–15 more minutes until:
- bubbly
- golden top
- cheese melted
Your kitchen will smell AMAZING.
Step 7 – Rest & Serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Sauce thickens as it cools.
Serve warm with:
- garlic bread
- green salad
- roasted vegetables
😋 Taste & Texture
This dish is:
✔ creamy
✔ cheesy
✔ soft and tender
✔ rich garlic flavor
✔ super comforting
✔ melt-in-your-mouth
Basically pure comfort food.
Like a pasta hug 😄
🔁 Delicious Variations
🍄 Mushroom Spinach
Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
🥩 Beef Version
Use seasoned ground beef instead.
🧀 Extra Cheese
Add gouda or cheddar.
🌶 Spicy
Add chili flakes.
🥦 Veggie
Add broccoli or zucchini inside filling.
🍗 Turkey
Use leftover roast turkey.
🧊 Storage
Fridge: 3–4 days
Freeze: up to 2 months
Reheat: oven or microwave with splash of milk
Great for meal prep!
💡 Pro Tips
⭐ Don’t overcook pasta
⭐ Make sauce smooth before baking
⭐ Cover fully with sauce
⭐ Use freshly grated cheese
⭐ Let rest before serving
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Because it’s:
- creamy comfort food
- family favorite
- filling and satisfying
- make-ahead friendly
- freezer friendly
- easy but impressive
Honestly… this is one of those dishes people ask for seconds immediately.