Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Imagine all the cozy, creamy comfort of Alfredo pasta, but with even more magic tucked inside: that’s the irresistible charm of Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake. Tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and pasta get enveloped in a velvety Parmesan Alfredo sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. This dish checks every box on a busy weeknight or when you need a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that brings both kids and adults running to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake, every ingredient is simple yet essential, building up those layers of comfort and flavor. Quality pantry staples come together quickly to create a bake you’ll want to put on repeat.
- Pasta: Choose penne or rotini for perfect sauce-catching texture and a fun bite in every forkful.
- Broccoli florets: Add vibrant color, gentle crunch, and a nutritious punch that balances the richness.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the Alfredo sauce its irresistible, silky gloss and depth.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers savory aroma and lovely background flavor—don’t skip this!
- Cooked chicken breast: You can dice or shred, and use rotisserie or leftover roast chicken for easy prep.
- Heavy cream: The foundation of that classic, lush Alfredo texture you crave.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and the backbone of traditional Alfredo—fresh grated is best.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Use half to bind everything together, half for that gorgeous, melty top layer.
- Salt & black pepper: Season the sauce for perfect balance—taste and tweak as you go.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the creamy flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): For a bit of extra crunch on top that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): A sprinkle right before serving wakes up every bite with color and freshness.
How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of butter or nonstick spray. This prevents our cheesy masterpiece from sticking, and it makes cleanup a breeze—always a win.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until it’s just al dente. In the last two minutes of pasta cooking, toss in the broccoli florets so they brighten up and soften slightly, staying green and crisp-tender. Drain well and set aside; both are now perfectly prepped to mingle with that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Start the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about one minute until it’s fragrant—this is the flavor foundation for the whole Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, swirling occasionally, until it thickens up enough to coat the back of a spoon. You’ll see that beautiful, glossy Alfredo texture take shape.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Broccoli
To the skillet, add the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, and half the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is coated with the creamy sauce; the mozzarella will begin to melt and bind it all together. That’s when you know you’re close to dinner greatness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and if you like a little crunch, scatter the breadcrumbs across the surface. Slide it into your hot oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and the top is golden.
Step 7: Add Fresh Finishing Touches
Once your Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake comes out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then shower it with fresh parsley. That pop of green adds color and a fresh, herby lift to each serving.
How to Serve Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brings a burst of color and liveliness to this creamy bake. Want even more flair? Thinly sliced green onions or a light dusting of extra Parmesan make wonderful finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a meal in itself, but it positively shines alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides bring freshness and contrast, making each bite of the bake feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party wow factor, serve individual portions of Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake in ramekins or mini casserole dishes. Or, cut the bake into generous squares and serve over a bed of lightly dressed arugula for a modern twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day serving just as delightful.
Freezing
You can easily freeze this bake before or after cooking. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. For best quality, enjoy within 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works, but add a splash of milk to keep that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster and adds plenty of flavor. Simply shred the meat and fold it in as directed.
Can I make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.
How do I make this dish a little lighter?
Swapping in half-and-half instead of heavy cream, using part-skim mozzarella, and increasing the broccoli are delicious tweaks that cut calories without sacrificing comfort.
Can I add more veggies or other ingredients?
Of course! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and variety. This bake is endlessly adaptable.
What’s the best way to save time with prep?
Buy pre-cut broccoli florets and use cooked rotisserie chicken to shave minutes off your prep. You can also assemble the bake a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about a bubbling casserole that warms the soul, and Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the exact kind of meal you’ll reach for again and again. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your guests will savor every bite, and you’ll love just how easy it is to pull together. Don’t wait—this bake is the ultimate comfort food and deserves a spot in your regular rotation!
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Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake, a comforting and flavorful pasta casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta & Broccoli:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce & Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Topping & Garnish:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta and broccoli. Sauté garlic in butter. Prepare sauce with cream, Parmesan, seasonings.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta, broccoli, chicken, and half of mozzarella in the sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
- Bake: Top with remaining mozzarella, breadcrumbs. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider incorporating cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
