If youโre searching for a family-style comfort meal that never fails to please, the Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Creamy Alfredo sauce wraps around juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with bubbling golden cheese. This dish does it all: itโs easy enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough to steal the show at any gathering. Whether youโre feeding a crowd or just need some leftovers to brighten tomorrowโs lunch, this recipe brings comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in the Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is chosen for its ability to balance flavors and textures, creating that ultra-satisfying bite. You donโt need anything fancyโjust simple, flavorful staples that work together perfectly.
- Chicken breasts: Tender, boneless chicken pieces keep things hearty and add satisfying protein to every forkful.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, these add a vibrant green pop and crucial crunch that lightens up the rich sauce.
- Penne pasta: Holds onto creamy Alfredo sauce beautifullyโtry whole wheat for a boost of texture and fiber.
- Homemade or jarred Alfredo sauce: The rich, velvety base that pulls every element together. Take it up a notch with homemade if you have the time!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Bakes up golden and beautifully stretchy for that canโt-wait-another-minute appeal.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish and deepens the Alfredoโs flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for sautรฉing chicken, imparting a subtle fruity background note.
- Minced garlic: Adds bold, aromatic backbone to the chicken and sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to make all the flavors sing.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds color and a fresh, herbal kick right before serving.
How to Make Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Pasta and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to its package directions, but stop just short of fully tenderโtheyโll finish cooking in the oven. Toss in the broccoli florets for the last two minutes so they stay green and crisp-tender. Drain everything well, and set aside. This double-duty step ensures the pasta soaks up all that creamy Alfredo without going mushy, while the broccoli keeps its lovely color and bite.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for several minutes on each side until the pieces are golden and cooked throughโjuicy, never dry. Add the minced garlic during the last minute, stirring so it becomes wonderfully fragrant but not burnt.
Step 3: Combine the Saucy Goodness
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, sautรฉed chicken, Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella, and half the Parmesan. Stir everything well so every piece is coated luxuriously in sauce, and all the flavors start to mingle. This is where your kitchen will already start to smell amazing.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Pour the creamy mixture into a greased casserole or baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top until the whole thing promises to turn golden and bubbly. The extra cheese not only acts as a decadent blanket but also creates a slightly crispy crust for pure comfort food satisfaction.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is sizzling around the edges. Give the cheese a minute or two under the broiler at the end for extra color if youโre after that irresistible browned top. Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving so everything sets up beautifully and slices neatly.
How to Serve Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of green. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving adds both eye appeal and an extra savory note. If you love a little zip, consider serving with lemon wedges for drizzling, which cuts the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
The Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp Caesar salad, simple mixed greens, or roasted veggies for balance. Some slices of warm, crusty garlic bread are perfect for swiping up every last drop of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties, or pile the bake into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls for a memorable twist. For special occasions, top with extra roasted broccoli florets and a few shavings of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe cool completely, then cover tightly or portion into airtight containers. Itโll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready to be enjoyed for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Freezing
This bake freezes surprisingly well! Cool it fully, then wrap either the whole dish or individual servings tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven until heated through and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though a splash of milk or extra Alfredo sauce helps keep things creamy, not dry.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker. Just shred or cube the cooked meat and mix it in with your pasta, broccoli, and Alfredo sauceโno need to sautรฉ first.
What are some Alfredo sauce alternatives?
If you want to lighten things up, try using a mixture of Greek yogurt and a splash of milk with a bit of Parmesan for a creamy, tangy twist. There are also excellent store-bought lighter Alfredo sauces available.
Can I make the Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe gluten free?
Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Alfredo sauce is gluten free. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable without sacrificing any of its charm.
Is it possible to use other vegetables?
Of course! Cauliflower, peas, or even sautรฉed mushrooms make delicious additions or substitutions, depending on what you have on hand or whatโs in season.
How do I avoid my pasta bake becoming too dry?
Make sure your pasta is al dente before baking and use enough Alfredo sauce to coat everything well. Covering with foil in the first 15 minutes of baking can help lock in moisture, especially if reheating leftovers.
Final Thoughts
I canโt wait for you to try this Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe. It brings big crowd-pleasing flavor with such little effort, and every bite feels like a special treat. Whether itโs for a cozy weeknight or a big weekend get-together, let this cheesy, creamy bake bring everyone together around your table.
PrintIrresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort foodโloaded with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and penne pasta all tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Itโs simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, delivering a creamy and cheesy casserole everyone will adore.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (thawed)
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For Assembly
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the penne pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Assemble: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauceโjust use about 2 cups.
- Swap penne with other short pastas like rigatoni or ziti if desired.
- Frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *