Imagine the heavenly aroma of a golden-baked calzone, bursting at the seams with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and a melty mix of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. This Chicken Alfredo Calzone takes everything you love about a rich pasta dish and wraps it in a perfectly crisp and chewy pizza dough.
Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this calzone is both simple to make and indulgent to eat. Pair it with a fresh side salad or some marinara for dipping, and you have a meal that’s as comforting as it is unforgettable. Trust me, one bite into this gooey, cheesy masterpiece, and you’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Full recipe
Ingredients:
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1 pound pizza dough
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1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1 cup Alfredo sauce
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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Flour, for dusting
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Lightly dust a surface with flour and roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle.
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In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Spoon the filling onto one half of the dough, leaving about an inch around the edges.
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Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
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Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Brush the top of the calzone with the beaten egg and make 2 small slits on top to vent steam.
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Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken Alfredo Calzone
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as universally beloved as the calzone. Think of it as a pizza’s cozy cousin: a warm, golden-baked pocket filled with all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave. Now, imagine taking it a step further by stuffing that pillow y dough with rich Alfredo sauce, juicy shredded chicken, and a medley of delicious cheeses. That’s exactly what the Chicken Alfredo Calzone offers a flavor-packed experience that feels both indulgent and completely satisfying.
The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and tender chicken wrapped in soft, chewy dough creates a dish that’s hearty enough for a full meal yet versatile enough for a snack or party appetizer. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a cozy movie night, or a casual gathering with friends, this calzone is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Inspiration Behind the Chicken Alfredo Calzone
The idea for this Chicken Alfredo Calzone draws inspiration from classic Italian-American comfort food traditions. Chicken Alfredo pasta is already a staple in many households, loved for its creamy texture and mild, savory flavor. Marrying that beloved sauce with the irresistible format of a calzone feels like a natural next step.
Italian immigrants brought calzones to America, where they’ve been enthusiastically embraced and adapted over time. Traditional calzones often feature tomato sauce, mozzarella, and meats like ham or pepperoni. This version puts a rich and creamy twist on the classic by replacing the tomato base with a velvety Alfredo sauce, adding a unique richness that sets it apart from more common variants.
The result is a hybrid that’s still true to its roots but offers something fresh and deeply satisfying for anyone looking to expand their comfort food repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
One of the reasons the Chicken Alfredo Calzone stands out is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a rich, gooey interior, making every bite an exciting contrast. The chicken adds a hearty, protein-rich element that keeps the calzone filling and satisfying, while the Alfredo sauce introduces a smooth, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the melted cheese.
Moreover, this dish is incredibly adaptable. You can customize the filling with additions like sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, caramelized onions, or even roasted garlic for an extra punch of flavor. Prefer a spicier kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes or swap the chicken for spicy Italian sausage. The base recipe is so flexible that you can tweak it to suit any palate or dietary preference.
Perfect Occasions for Chicken Alfredo Calzone
This calzone is a wonderful option for so many occasions:
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Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar yet exciting flavors.
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Game Nights: Easy to hold and eat, calzones are the perfect finger food for casual gatherings.
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Meal Prep: You can make a batch ahead of time, freeze them, and simply reheat when needed.
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Picnics or Potlucks: Their portability makes them a top choice for outdoor meals or buffet tables.
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Comfort Food Cravings: Whenever you’re in need of something hearty and soul-satisfying, this recipe delivers.
The beauty of the Chicken Alfredo Calzone lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its practicality. One well-made calzone can turn an ordinary evening into a cozy, memorable meal.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Alfredo Calzone
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve an even better result:
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Use Fresh Dough: If you have the time, making your own pizza dough adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. However, store-bought dough works perfectly in a pinch.
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Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to load up on filling, but too much can cause the calzone to burst open while baking. A moderate amount ensures even cooking and a neat, attractive presentation.
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Seal Well: Crimp the edges firmly with a fork and brush them lightly with an egg wash. This step helps prevent leaks and gives the crust a beautiful, shiny finish.
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Vent Properly: Make a few small slits on top to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the calzone from becoming soggy or bursting.
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Let it Rest: Allow the calzone to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy without the cheese and sauce spilling out.
Following these simple strategies ensures that your calzone comes out bakery-worthy every time.
Variations and Additions
Another great aspect of this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas to spice things up:
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach.
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Seafood Twist: Use cooked shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood Alfredo variation.
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Extra Cheesy: Incorporate provolone or fontina cheese for even more gooey goodness.
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Herb Boost: Add fresh basil, oregano, or parsley to the filling for a fragrant herbaceous note.
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Spicy Kick: Stir a little hot sauce into the Alfredo or add jalapeños for some heat.
With a few simple changes, you can reinvent the Chicken Alfredo Calzone to suit your mood or dietary needs.
Pairing Ideas
This hearty calzone pairs beautifully with lighter sides that balance out its rich filling. Some delicious options include:
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Fresh Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette cut through the richness.
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Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent companions.
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Tomato Soup: Dunking bites of calzone into a savory soup is pure comfort food bliss.
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Garlic Parmesan Wings: For a full Italian-American feast, serve alongside flavorful wings.
Don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy, cheesy flavors wonderfully.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
The Chicken Alfredo Calzone has gained popularity because it blends two classic favorites creamy pasta and cheesy pizza into one irresistible dish. It offers something slightly unexpected without straying too far from familiar, beloved flavors.
In today’s busy world, recipes that are versatile, freezer-friendly, family-approved, and absolutely delicious are gold. This calzone ticks all those boxes and more, making it a true gem for home cooks and foodies alike.
Conclusion:
The Chicken Alfredo Calzone is everything you want in a comfort food dish: hearty, cheesy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It combines the tender richness of Alfredo chicken with the irresistible appeal of freshly baked dough, resulting in a meal that’s as perfect for a casual family dinner as it is for impressing guests.
With endless ways to customize it to your taste and easy preparation that fits into even the busiest schedules, this calzone will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Italian-American cuisine or just discovering the joys of homemade calzones, one thing’s for sure after one bite, you’ll be hooked.