If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing, look no further than this creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake. It’s loaded with flavorful chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta tossed in velvety Alfredo sauce, then baked under a gooey blanket of golden mozzarella — every bite is pure happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Wonder: This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake comes together in just 40 minutes and is surprisingly easy, even on your busiest evenings.
- Family-Friendly: Fussy eaters and veggie skeptics can’t resist tender pasta, creamy sauce, and that golden cheesy top.
- One-Pan Goodness: Fewer dishes, less fuss — everything bakes together in just one casserole dish for easy prep and cleanup.
- Perfect For Make-Ahead: The leftovers are divine and it freezes beautifully, making meal planning a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a key role in building classic flavors and that dreamy, creamy texture. Don’t skimp on freshness, and you’ll be rewarded with that perfect cheesy pull!
- Penne Pasta: Its shape holds just the right amount of sauce and cheese in every forkful. You can swap it for rotini or fusilli if you like.
- Broccoli Florets: For a pop of color and crunch — fresh broccoli stays vibrant, but frozen florets will also do in a pinch (see tips below!).
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my secret shortcut, but grilled or even poached chicken breast works well — just shred or chop.
- Alfredo Sauce: Pick your favorite store-bought jar, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade Alfredo makes it extra luscious.
- Italian Seasoning: This simple blend lifts the entire bake with classic herby flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds irresistible savory richness; grate it yourself for the best melt and punch of flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully for an ultra-gooey top — pile it on for extra comfort!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for brightening up all the flavors before serving.
Variations
One of the joys of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is just how easy it is to make your own. Use what you have on hand or tailor it to your family’s favorite flavors — this recipe is a playground for customization!
- Swap The Protein: Replace chicken with cooked turkey, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
- Make It Extra Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, baby spinach, or chopped zucchini when tossing the bake together for more color and nutrition.
- Go Whole Grain or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences — just cook slightly under al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder for a gentle kick and extra aromatic notes.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta for about a minute less than the package directions call for — you want it just shy of al dente so it finishes perfectly in the oven. Two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in your broccoli florets so they cook until crisp-tender and stay beautifully green. Drain everything well and transfer to a big 9×13 casserole dish.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Sauce, and Cheese
Add your cooked chicken to the casserole dish along with Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and that vital parmesan cheese. Toss to coat everything evenly — don’t forget to pause and inhale that fantastic creamy, herby aroma!
Step 3: Top With Mozzarella
Gently smooth out the mixture into one luscious, even layer. Then shower the entire surface with shredded mozzarella, blanketing your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake in cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Pop the casserole, uncovered, into your preheated 375ºF oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. For even more irresistible cheesy browning, broil it for a minute or two — but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t go from golden to burnt!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake cool for just a few minutes (the aroma will tempt you!). Add salt and pepper to taste, then scoop generous helpings onto plates and dig in while the cheese is still melty and the sauce is creamy.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Broccoli Texture Matters: Add broccoli late to the boiling water and avoid overcooking so it stays crisp-tender (and vibrant!) once baked.
- Go Big on Cheese: Always grate your own mozzarella and parmesan — pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as luxuriously and could make your topping a little dry.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is lightly golden; too long in the oven can dry out your pasta.
- Sauce Adjustment: For extra sauciness, grab a larger (19 oz) jar of Alfredo, or simply add a splash of milk or cream before baking to keep it ultra-creamy.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Garnishes
For that extra pop of flavor and color, try sprinkling a little more grated parmesan and a flurry of freshly chopped parsley on top right before serving. If you love a gentle zing, a dusting of red pepper flakes brings just the right touch of warmth without overpowering the creamy Alfredo flavors.
Side Dishes
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is super satisfying all on its own, but I love pairing it with crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce and a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted carrots or steamed green beans also make an easy, colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve your Alfredo bake in individual ramekins for a bistro-inspired touch. If you want to impress, sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or lemon zest over the top for crunch and brightness. And don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful serving spoon and a generous family-style dish at the center of your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld and the cheesy sauce thickens — it’s just as tempting reheated for lunch or dinner!
Freezing
For longer storage, let your bake cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm in a 350ºF oven until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For individual portions, a splash of milk stirred in before microwaving helps restore creaminess. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese if you want to revive that melty top!
FAQs
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Can I use a different kind of pasta for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, rigatoni, or even shells will soak up the creamy sauce nicely. Just be sure to cook the pasta about a minute less than al dente so it doesn’t soften too much as it bakes.
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Can I prepare Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a couple extra minutes in the oven to make sure it’s heated through.
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Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Frozen broccoli works well! Add it directly to the boiling pasta water from frozen, and cook for no more than a minute since it’s already partially cooked — that way, you avoid mushy broccoli in your finished bake.
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How can I make the Alfredo bake more saucy or creamy?
If you prefer a creamier finish, simply use a larger jar of Alfredo sauce (around 19 oz instead of 15 oz), or stir in an extra splash of milk or cream before baking. You can also add a little extra mozzarella for gooeyness!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little extra joy to your dinner table, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake promises warmth, comfort, and plenty of smiles. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, I hope this recipe becomes one of your new weeknight favorites. Dive in — you’re going to love it!
PrintChicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting and delicious twist on a classic pasta dish, combining tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection with gooey mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne)
Broccoli:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (such as rotisserie chicken)
Alfredo Sauce Mixture:
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375F and position the rack in the top third of the oven.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil salted water and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than package directions. Add broccoli for the last 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, Alfredo sauce, parmesan, and Italian seasoning to the casserole dish; mix well. Spread evenly and top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Optionally, broil briefly to brown the cheese. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Estimating broccoli amounts: 1 pound typically yields 3-4 cups florets. Variations in sizes and cuts are okay.
- For frozen broccoli: Add frozen broccoli to boiling water with pasta, cooking briefly to prevent mushiness.
- Recommended sauce quantity: For extra sauciness, consider using a larger jar (e.g., 19 oz.) of Alfredo sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg