How Long Do You Cook Chicken Alfredo From Costco? The Complete Guide

Ever grabbed that tempting tray of Costco Chicken Alfredo from the deli section and wondered exactly how to cook it perfectly? I’ve been there too! After trying this convenient meal multiple times I’ve learned there’s more than one way to prepare this creamy pasta dish. Let’s break down everything you need to know about cooking times and methods for this popular Costco deli item.

The Quick Answer

The cooking time for Costco’s Chicken Alfredo depends on which method you’re using:

• Oven method: 50-60 minutes at 400°F (covered with foil)
• Microwave method: 8-10 minutes total (split into sessions)
• From frozen: Add 45 minutes to the oven cooking time

Oven Cooking Instructions (Most Recommended Method)

Most sources including the package instructions recommend the oven method for the best results. Here’s how to do it

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F
2. Remove the clear plastic lid from the aluminum tray
3. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil
4. Place the tray on a baking sheet (this prevents spills and makes it easier to handle)
5. Position on the center rack of your oven
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
7. Optional but recommended: Remove foil during the last 5-10 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly

According to Shopping With Dave, the 60-minute cooking time is generally reliable for most ovens. The Snarkle-Sauce blog confirms this timing works well, noting that covering it tightly with foil helps retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Microwave Method (Faster Alternative)

If you’re in a hurry, How Long to Cook suggests a microwave method that takes just 8-10 minutes:

1. Thaw the Chicken Alfredo completely if frozen
2. Transfer to a microwave-safe dish
3. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap
4. Heat on high for 4 minutes
5. Remove carefully and stir to distribute heat
6. Return to microwave and heat for another 4-6 minutes
7. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F

Remember that microwave wattages vary, so cooking times might need adjustment based on your specific microwave.

Cooking From Frozen

According to Shopping With Dave, you can cook the Chicken Alfredo directly from frozen, but you’ll need to add approximately 45 minutes to the total cooking time. This means:

• Cook for about 105 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes) in a 400°F oven
• Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving

How to Check If It’s Fully Cooked

All three sources emphasize the importance of checking that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This is non-negotiable for food safety. Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest piece of chicken to verify.

Tips for Best Results

Based on reviews and tips from all three sources, here are some suggestions to improve your Costco Chicken Alfredo experience:

Dealing with Dryness

The Snarkle-Sauce blogger mentioned that leftovers tend to dry out significantly. To combat this:

• STIR the leftovers in the pan before refrigerating
• Add a small amount of liquid (milk, cream or chicken stock) before reheating
• For the original cooking, Dave recommends pouring a jar of Newman’s Own Alfredo sauce over the tray before cooking for extra creaminess

Add Some Color and Flavor

Multiple reviewers noted that the dish is very white and could use some color and flavor enhancement. Try these additions:

• Mix in frozen peas before baking
• Add diced sun-dried tomatoes on top
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes
• Dust with freshly grated Parmesan after cooking
• Add freshly ground black pepper

How Much Does It Serve?

There’s some debate about serving size across the sources:

• Shopping With Dave suggests 4 servings for the main dish alone, or 6 servings with side dishes
• Snarkle-Sauce indicates 8 modest servings or 6 hearty servings
• A commenter on Shopping With Dave’s blog claimed they easily get 8-10 servings from the tray

The actual weight of the tray is approximately 4-4.5 pounds, so adjust your expectations based on your household’s appetite.

Price and Availability

The Costco Chicken Alfredo is item #40249 and is consistently available in the refrigerated deli section. It’s priced at around:

• $3.99-$4.49 per pound
• $16-$18 total for the whole tray

This makes each serving approximately $2.25-$3.00 depending on how many portions you get.

Storing Leftovers

According to Shopping With Dave, you can:

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days past the “Sell By” date
• Freeze for up to 3 months before freezer burn becomes an issue

When reheating leftovers, many users report the chicken tends to dry out. Consider adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore moisture.

Is It Worth Buying?

All reviewers acknowledge that while you could make this dish from scratch for less money (especially using Costco’s $5 rotisserie chicken), the convenience factor is significant. The Snarkle-Sauce reviewer calculated the cost at about $2.25 per serving, which they considered excellent value for a pre-made meal.

The biggest quality variable seems to be the chicken – sometimes it’s tender and juicy, other times it can be dry and tough. Dave suggests looking through the plastic lid to visually check the chicken quality before purchasing.

What Does It Taste Like?

The general consensus is:

• The pasta maintains a good texture, even after baking
• The alfredo sauce is creamy and coats the pasta well, though some find it a bit bland
• The chicken quality is inconsistent – sometimes tender, sometimes dry
• It tastes best eaten the same day it’s cooked
• Leftovers tend to be significantly drier as the sauce absorbs into the pasta

Final Thoughts

Costco’s Chicken Alfredo is a reliable, convenient meal option that serves plenty of people for a reasonable price. The standard cooking time of 50-60 minutes in a 400°F oven works well for most people, though you can speed things up with the microwave method if you’re in a hurry.

While not gourmet cuisine, with a few simple additions and careful attention to cooking time, you can turn this pre-made dish into a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.