Creamy Chicken Alfredo Calzones – Easy Dinner Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Calzones are the ultimate comfort food that brings together the rich, creamy flavors of chicken Alfredo in a delightful, handheld package. Imagine biting into a warm calzone, the aroma of garlic wafting up as you break through the golden crust to reveal a cheesy filling of shredded chicken and Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun meal prep option, these calzones are sure to please everyone at the table. They capture the essence of Italian cuisine while being easy to make at home!

• Why This Chicken Alfredo Calzones Is Worth Your Time
• Main Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Calzones
• Tools Needed for Chicken Alfredo Calzones
• Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Calzones
• Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Calzones
• Serving Ideas and Pairings
• Variations and Swaps for Chicken Alfredo Calzones
• Leftovers and Storage Tips
• Nutrition Notes
• Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Why This Chicken Alfredo Calzones Is Worth Your Time

This Chicken Alfredo Calzones recipe is worth your time because it strikes a perfect balance between flavors, textures, and ease of preparation. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken, all enveloped in a crispy dough. Not only are they delicious, but they also make for a quick meal solution that can be prepped ahead of time. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them versatile and adaptable to various dietary needs while keeping them family-friendly and satisfying.

Main Ingredients for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you appreciate this recipe even more. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the Alfredo sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant base for the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy texture of the Alfredo sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors in the sauce.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the sauce.
• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): Forms the outer layer of the calzones.
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded): Provides protein and substance to the filling.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooeyness and enhances the cheese flavor.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened): Used for brushing the calzones before cooking.
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (chopped): Adds freshness and color to the calzones.

Tools Needed for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the preparation of these delicious Chicken Alfredo Calzones. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome:

1. To make the alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan until it is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.
2. For the dough, cut the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick, using a rolling pin. Transfer the rolled dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. To assemble the calzones, spread 1/4 of the alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal securely.
4. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and chopped parsley. Brush the top of each assembled calzone with the parsley butter using a pastry brush.
5. For cooking the calzones, place them in an air fryer basket that is lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown, flipping halfway through. Brush the calzones again with the remaining parsley butter.
6. Allow the calzones to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with warm marinara sauce for dipping if desired. Leftover calzones can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Alfredo Calzones

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in your Alfredo sauce.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the calzones after cooking; it helps the filling set a bit and makes them easier to eat.
• Experiment with different fillings such as spinach, mushrooms, or other cheeses to suit your taste.
• Ensure your dough is rolled evenly to avoid uneven cooking.
• Keep an eye on the calzones while they cook in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific model.
• For extra flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer a different cooking method, these can also be baked in a conventional oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

• Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping.
• Pair with a light salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing side.
• Offer garlic bread on the side for a hearty meal.
• Complement with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, for an adult dinner.
• Include sautéed vegetables for a colorful plate.

Variations and Swaps for Chicken Alfredo Calzones

Faster Weeknight Version

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken. This will significantly cut down on prep time.

Lighter Version

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories while still keeping a creamy texture.

High-Protein Version

Add additional protein by including diced ham or turkey along with the chicken, or use a protein-rich dough recipe.

Budget-Friendly Version

Make your own pizza dough at home using basic pantry ingredients to save on costs and customize the thickness to your liking.

Leftovers and Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftover calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze uncooked calzones for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly.
• To reheat, place in an air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
• If reheating from frozen, allow extra time in the air fryer or oven.
• Cooked calzones can also be microwaved, but this may lead to a softer crust.

Nutrition Notes

Each calzone is a hearty meal option packed with protein from the chicken and cheese. Depending on your specific ingredients, a calzone can range from 400 to 600 calories. To adjust for allergies, consider using gluten-free pizza dough and substitution cheeses for lactose intolerance. You can also modify the fat content by using reduced-fat dairy options.

Delicious Chicken Alfredo Calzones

This flavorful delicious chicken alfredo calzones is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare. Made with unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), and heavy cream, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 23 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded (about 2 small chicken breasts))
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Method

 

1. To make the alfredo sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced. Lower the heat and gradually stir in the Parmesan until it is melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

For the dough, cut the pizza dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch round, about 1/4 inch thick, using a rolling pin. Transfer the rolled dough rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

1. To assemble the calzones, spread 1/4 of the alfredo sauce on one half of each dough round, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Top the sauce with 1/2 cup shredded chicken and 1/4 cup mozzarella. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling and press and crimp the edges with a fork to seal securely.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and chopped parsley. Brush the top of each assembled calzone with the parsley butter using a pastry brush.
3. For cooking the calzones, place them in an air fryer basket that is lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes until the crust is golden brown, flipping halfway through. Brush the calzones again with the remaining parsley butter.