Name: Chicken Alfredo Calzones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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

Introduction

These Chicken Alfredo Calzones combine creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken and melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. Perfect for a comforting meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Air-fried to perfection, they’re a delightful twist on an Italian classic.

A close-up view of three golden-brown, triangular pastries with a shiny, flaky outer crust sprinkled lightly with small green herb pieces on top. The front pastry is cut open, revealing a creamy, thick white filling with visible black pepper specks that looks smooth and rich. The pastries rest closely together on a white marbled surface, emphasizing their warm, baked texture and savory filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Alfredo sauce by melting 5 tablespoons of 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 simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 2: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper. Set the sauce aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dough.

Step 3: Divide 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. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Spread one-quarter of the Alfredo sauce over 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 cheese.

Step 5: Fold the empty half of the dough over the filling. Press the edges together and crimp them with a fork to seal securely.

Step 6: Mix the softened butter with the chopped parsley in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the calzones with the parsley butter using a pastry brush.

Step 7: Place the calzones in the air fryer basket, lightly coated with oil or lined with parchment paper. Air fry at 375°F for 8 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking.

Step 8: Brush the calzones again with the remaining parsley butter once cooked. Allow them to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach inside the calzones along with the chicken and cheese.

If you don’t have an air fryer, bake calzones at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, creamier sauce.

Try substituting cooked turkey or Italian sausage for the chicken for a different protein option.

Storage

Store leftover calzones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp. You can freeze calzones for up to 3 months—wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Alfredo sauce a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally before assembling the calzones.

Is it possible to freeze these calzones before cooking?

Absolutely. Assemble the calzones, then freeze them on a baking sheet until firm. Wrap tightly and store in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, increasing the air fryer or oven time by a few minutes until heated through.