How to Cook Costco Chicken Alfredo

The Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta is a refrigerated ready-to-heat meal from Costco’s deli section.

It comes in a large aluminum tray with pre-cooked penne pasta, seasoned chicken breast strips, shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and a packet of creamy Alfredo sauce.

This family-size pasta dish works well for weeknight dinners when cooking from scratch feels like too much effort.

The tray feeds 4-6 people comfortably. Maybe 8 if you’re serving lighter portions with sides.

Three cooking methods work for this meal: oven, stovetop, and microwave. The oven takes about 50-60 minutes. Stovetop runs 6-8 minutes. Microwave handles single servings in about 5 minutes.

Product Details

Product: Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta

Type: Refrigerated, pre-cooked (heat and serve)

Package Size: Approximately 4 lbs (1.5 kg), serves 6-8

Price: $3.99-$4.49 per pound ($16-$18 total) at Costco (Updated December 2025)

Storage: Keep refrigerated, found in deli cooler section

Calories per Serving: 310-410 calories (1/6 of tray)

Main Ingredients: Penne pasta, chicken breast, Alfredo sauce (milk, parmesan, mozzarella, asiago cheese), romano cheese, parsley

Item Number: 40249

Cooking Methods Comparison

Recommended Method: Oven cooking produces the most consistent results with properly melted cheese and heated-through chicken.

Method 1: Oven (Recommended)

Oven baking takes about 50-60 minutes at 400 degrees F. The result is evenly heated pasta with melted cheese throughout. This method works best when cooking the entire tray for a family dinner.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Tray?

Remove the clear plastic lid from the aluminum tray. The tray goes directly into the oven since it’s already oven-safe.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F
2. Take off the plastic lid and discard it
3. Cover the tray tightly with aluminum foil
4. Place the tray on a baking sheet (catches any drips)

Equipment: Baking sheet, aluminum foil

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Cook at 400 degrees F for 50-60 minutes total. The foil stays on for most of the cooking time to prevent the top from drying out.

Instructions:

1. Place baking sheet with covered tray on center rack
2. Bake for 50 minutes with foil on
3. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese

Temperature: 400 degrees F

Time: 50-60 minutes total

Step 3: When Do You Check the Pasta?

Check at the 50-minute mark. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges. Give it a stir to distribute the heat.

Instructions:

1. At 50 minutes, remove foil
2. Check if sauce is bubbling
3. Return uncovered for 10 more minutes if needed

Checkpoint: At 50-minute mark, look for bubbling sauce

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F. Steam should rise when you stir it. The cheese on top should be fully melted and slightly golden.

Instructions:

1. Insert food thermometer into center of dish
2. Confirm temperature reaches 165 degrees F
3. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F (for chicken safety)

Visual Indicator: Bubbling sauce, melted cheese, steam rising when stirred

Method 2: Stovetop

Stovetop cooking takes only 6-8 minutes and produces a creamy result. This method works well when you want dinner faster and don’t mind stirring. The sauce stays silkier compared to oven baking.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare the Ingredients?

The stovetop version requires separating the sauce packet from the other ingredients. You’ll build the dish in layers.

Instructions:

1. Remove plastic lid from tray
2. Locate the sauce packet (usually on top or underneath)
3. Pour sauce into a large non-stick skillet first

Equipment: Large non-stick skillet or pan, spatula

Step 2: What Temperature and Time Do You Use?

Medium-high heat gets the sauce simmering. Then reduce to medium when you add the pasta and chicken.

Instructions:

1. Heat sauce over medium-high until it simmers
2. Add pasta, chicken, and cheese to the pan
3. Reduce heat to medium
4. Cook for 6-8 minutes total

Temperature: Medium-high, then medium heat

Time: 6-8 minutes

Step 3: When Do You Stir?

Stir frequently. The cheese and sauce mixture gets thick quickly and can stick to the pan. Every minute or so works well.

Instructions:

1. Stir every 1-2 minutes
2. Scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking
3. Make sure all pasta gets coated in sauce

Checkpoint: Stir frequently throughout cooking

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

The pasta should be hot throughout. Cheese will be fully melted and stringy. Steam should rise from the pan.

Instructions:

1. Test a piece of chicken for temperature
2. Pasta should be steaming hot
3. Cheese should stretch when lifted

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Stringy melted cheese, steaming pasta, thick creamy sauce

Method 3: Microwave

Microwave works best for single servings or quick leftovers. The texture won’t be quite as good as oven or stovetop, but it gets dinner on the table in 5 minutes. Good option when you’re eating alone.

Step 1: How Do You Prepare a Portion?

Scoop out a single serving into a microwave-safe dish. Don’t microwave the whole aluminum tray.

Instructions:

1. Transfer one serving (about 1-1.5 cups) to a microwave-safe bowl
2. Add a splash of milk or cream if sauce looks thick
3. Cover loosely with a paper towel or microwave cover

Equipment: Microwave-safe bowl, cover or paper towel

Step 2: What Power Level and Time Do You Use?

High power (100%) for 4-5 minutes per serving. Larger portions need more time.

Instructions:

1. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3 minutes
2. Stir halfway through
3. Continue for another 2-3 minutes
4. Check temperature before eating

Power Level: HIGH (100%)

Time: 4-5 minutes per serving

Step 3: When Do You Stir?

Stir at the halfway point. Microwaves heat unevenly, so stirring distributes the heat and prevents cold spots.

Instructions:

1. Stop microwave at 2-3 minute mark
2. Stir thoroughly from bottom to top
3. Continue microwaving

Checkpoint: Stir at halfway point

Step 4: How Do You Know When It’s Done?

Steam should rise when you stir. The center should be hot, not just the edges. Taste a piece of chicken to confirm.

Instructions:

1. Check that steam rises throughout
2. Test center temperature
3. Let stand 1 minute before eating

Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Visual Indicator: Steaming throughout, bubbling sauce

Safety and Quality Indicators

Food Safety

• Internal Temperature: 165 degrees F minimum for chicken
• Steam Check: Dish should steam when stirred
• Thawing: Product is refrigerated, not frozen (cook directly)

Quality Indicators (Done Properly)

• Color: Cheese slightly golden on top (oven method)
• Texture: Pasta tender, chicken moist, sauce creamy
• Temperature: Hot throughout, above 165 degrees F
• Appearance: Bubbling sauce, melted stringy cheese

Signs of Overcooking

• Chicken becomes dry and tough
• Sauce thickens too much and becomes gluey
• Pasta edges get hard or crispy
• Cheese turns rubbery instead of stretchy

Serving Suggestions

Portion Size: About 1-1.5 cups per serving (6-8 servings per package)

Serving Ideas:

• Add fresh cracked black pepper and extra parmesan on top
• Toss in frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking for color and vegetables
• Serve alongside Costco garlic bread for a complete Italian meal

Pairing Recommendations:

• Simple green salad with Italian dressing
• Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
• Crusty bread for dipping in the sauce
• Light white wine if you’re into that

Storage and Reheating

Before Cooking

• Keep refrigerated until ready to use
• Use by date on package (typically 5 days from packaging)
• Can be safely stored 4 days past “Sell By” date
• Can freeze before cooking for longer storage

Leftover Storage

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in airtight container
• Consume within 3 days
• Do not freeze after cooking (quality suffers)

Reheating Instructions

• Microwave: 2-3 minutes at HIGH, stir halfway
• Stovetop: 5 minutes over medium heat, add splash of milk
• Target Temperature: 165 degrees F

Pro tip: Stir the leftovers before refrigerating and coat everything in sauce. The chicken on top tends to dry out otherwise.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Sauce is too thick or gluey

Cause: Overcooking or cheese congealing after cooling

Solution: Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating. Stir frequently. Remove from heat as soon as it’s hot.

Issue: Chicken is dry and tough

Cause: Overcooked, or the chicken was dry before cooking (check the package before buying)

Solution: Stir everything together before refrigerating so chicken stays coated in sauce. When reheating, add a tablespoon of butter.

Issue: Unevenly heated

Cause: Not stirring during cooking, or microwave hot spots

Solution: Stir halfway through. For oven method, give it a stir when removing the foil. Rotate dish in microwave.

Issue: Sauce absorbed into pasta, now it’s dry

Cause: Normal. The penne absorbs sauce over time, especially in the fridge.

Solution: Add extra sauce when cooking. Some people pour jarred Alfredo sauce on top before baking. Or add cream when reheating.

Product Variations and Related Items

Similar Costco Deli Pasta Dishes

• Costco lasagna – takes longer to cook but feeds a crowd
• Costco ravioli lasagna – similar prep, different pasta shape
• Costco mac and cheese – uses the same style Alfredo sauce base
• Kirkland tortellini – another quick pasta option

Good Additions to the Meal

• Costco frozen vegetables – easy side dish
• Costco meatballs – add extra protein if needed

FAQ on How To Cook Costco Chicken Alfredo

What temperature do you cook Costco chicken alfredo?

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F for the best results.

Some packages suggest 350 degrees F, which also works but takes longer. Either way, cook until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees F for food safety.

How long does Costco chicken alfredo take to cook?

The oven method takes 50-60 minutes at 400 degrees F.

Stovetop cooking runs about 6-8 minutes. Microwave handles single servings in 4-5 minutes. Air fryer needs 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Do you remove the plastic lid before cooking?

Yes. Always remove the clear plastic lid before cooking.

The aluminum tray is oven-safe, but that plastic will melt. Cover with aluminum foil instead for the first 50 minutes of baking.

Can you microwave Costco chicken alfredo?

Yes, but only in portions. Transfer a serving to a microwave-safe dish first.

Never put the aluminum pan in the microwave. Heat on HIGH for 4-5 minutes, stirring halfway through until the creamy pasta is steaming.

Is the chicken in Costco alfredo already cooked?

Yes. The chicken breast strips are pre-cooked and seasoned.

You’re just reheating the entire dish to 165 degrees F. The penne pasta and Alfredo sauce are also pre-made. This is a heat-and-serve meal.

How many servings are in a Costco chicken alfredo tray?

The Kirkland Signature tray serves 6-8 people at standard portions.

Each serving runs about 1-1.5 cups. Realistically, a family of four can eat half and save the rest for leftovers the next day.

Why does my Costco alfredo sauce get thick and gluey?

The Parmesan and mozzarella cheese mixture thickens as it cools.

This is normal. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore the sauce consistency. Stir frequently during stovetop cooking to prevent congealing.

Can you freeze Costco chicken alfredo before cooking?

Yes. Freeze the unopened tray for longer storage beyond the sell-by date.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the oven cooking time. Do not freeze after heating.

What sides go well with Costco chicken alfredo?

Garlic bread is the classic pairing. A simple green salad balances the rich cream sauce.

Steamed broccoli works great. Some people add frozen peas directly to the tray during the last few minutes of baking for extra vegetables.

How do you store leftover Costco chicken alfredo?

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking in an airtight container.

Leftovers last 3 days in the fridge. Stir everything together before storing so the chicken stays coated in sauce. Reheat to 165 degrees F before eating.

Conclusion

Now you know how to cook Costco chicken alfredo using three different methods.

The oven method takes longer but delivers the best texture. Stovetop works when you need dinner fast. Microwave handles quick single servings.

This Kirkland Signature meal from the refrigerated deli section makes weeknight dinners simple. Just heat to 165 degrees F and serve.

Pair it with garlic bread and a salad for a complete family-size pasta dinner.

Store leftovers properly and reheat with a splash of cream to keep that Alfredo sauce silky.