Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta are smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is easy to make, sneaks in veggies, and is sure to become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Broccoli:
- Steam or blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
-
Cook the Chicken (if not pre-cooked):
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Dice or shred the chicken and set aside.
-
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.
-
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
-
Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of cream to keep the sauce creamy.
- Variations: Try substituting zucchini noodles for pasta for a low-carb option or skip the chicken for a vegetarian version with extra veggies.
This creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: ~480
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake