The Chicken Alfredo Calzone is a magnificent handheld feast, a brilliant Italian-American hybrid that ingeniously encases the creamy, luxurious flavors of a classic pasta dish within a golden, chewy, freshly baked pocket of pizza dough. This recipe masterfully transforms a simple ball of dough into a portable, self-contained meal, where each bite delivers the perfect ratio of tender, seasoned chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and melty, stretchy cheeses. The genius lies in the folding technique: the generous mound of filling is carefully sealed inside its doughy envelope, which puffs and bakes into a sturdy yet tender crust that crisps beautifully under an egg wash. As it bakes, the steam trapped inside works its magic, melding the creamy Alfredo with the chicken and cheese into a cohesive, molten center that is decadent yet perfectly contained.
Beyond its deliciousness, the brilliance of this calzone is its ultimate convenience and customizability. It is a complete, satisfying meal that travels beautifully—ideal for lunches, picnics, or busy weeknights. The simple addition of garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the filling elevates it beyond mere assembly, ensuring every bite is deeply flavorful. The optional add-ins, like earthy spinach or savory sun-dried tomatoes, invite personalization, making it a versatile canvas for your favorite ingredients. Served warm with a side of extra Alfredo or marinara sauce for dipping, this calzone is the epitome of comfort food innovation: a fun, mess-free, and utterly delicious way to enjoy the soul-satisfying taste of Chicken Alfredo in a whole new, irresistibly edible package.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Portable Alfredo Feast: All the creamy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Alfredo in a neat, handheld, no-fuss package.
- Crispy, Golden-Brown Crust: The egg wash gives the dough a professional, shiny, and perfectly crisp exterior.
- Endlessly Customizable: Easily add your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, bacon, or artichokes to the filling.
- Perfect for Meal Prep & On-the-Go: Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
- Fun & Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, making dinner interactive and enjoyable.
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
1 lb (450g) prepared pizza dough, at room temperature
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing dough)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
For the Chicken Alfredo Filling:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1 cup prepared Alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, taste sauce first)
For Assembly & Topping:
1 large egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water (egg wash)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling)
½ teaspoon dried parsley (for sprinkling)
Optional Add-Ins:
½ cup sautéed spinach, squeezed dry
½ cup sautéed mushrooms, chopped
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, patted dry
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Let the pizza dough sit at room temperature, covered, for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and creamy. If using any optional add-ins, fold them in now.
Step 3: Divide and Shape the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll or gently stretch each portion into a circle about 7-8 inches in diameter and ¼-inch thick.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Calzones
Spoon about ¾ cup of the chicken Alfredo filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Brush the edges lightly with water. Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together to seal. To ensure a tight seal, crimp the edges by pressing down with the tines of a fork.
Step 5: Vent, Glaze, and Season
Place the sealed calzones on the prepared baking sheet. Use a sharp knife to cut 2-3 small slits (about 1-inch long) in the top of each calzone to allow steam to escape. Brush the tops and sides generously with the egg wash. Sprinkle with the extra Parmesan and dried parsley.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the calzones are puffed and a deep, golden brown all over.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the calzones cool on the baking sheet for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot. Serve warm with extra Alfredo sauce or marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Seal Tightly: A good seal is crucial to prevent filling from leaking out during baking. The fork crimp is both decorative and functional.
- Don’t Overfill: Overfilling makes sealing difficult and can cause the calzone to burst open.
- Room Temperature Dough: Cold dough is difficult to stretch and more likely to tear. Let it warm up for easy handling.
- Steam Vents are Essential: The small slits prevent the calzone from becoming a soggy, bloated pillow by letting steam escape.
- Dry Your Add-Ins: If using spinach or other moist ingredients, squeeze out as much liquid as possible to avoid a wet filling.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until hot and crust is re-crisped. The microwave will soften the crust.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked, assembled calzones on a parchment-lined tray until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked calzones.
- Meal Prep: Assemble calzones up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Brush with egg wash just before baking.
The Chicken Alfredo Calzone is a fun, delicious, and incredibly satisfying twist on two classic favorites. It’s a guaranteed way to turn a simple weeknight dinner into a special, handheld event that everyone will love.
