ππ₯¦ Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake β Comfort in a Casserole Dish π
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30β40 minutes
Total Time: 45β55 minutes
Servings: 6β8
Perfect For: Family dinners, weeknight meals, meal prep, comfort food
π Why Youβll Love Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food in casserole form. Creamy, cheesy homemade Alfredo sauce is smothered over tender chicken, broccoli, and al dente pasta. Everything is baked under a golden, bubbling layer of melted cheese, making this dish not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether itβs for a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner party, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyoneβs cravings for creamy, cheesy comfort!
π Ingredients
8 oz penne or rotini pasta (you can use any short pasta)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 Β½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 Β½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Β½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
π¨βπ³ How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake
π Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 3β4 minutes of cooking. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
π³ Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer, and cook for about 3β4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2β3 minutes until thickened.
π Step 3: Combine Everything
In the same skillet or a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the top and toss everything together to coat evenly.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
π§ Step 4: Add Cheese & Bake
Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20β25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
π½οΈ Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
π‘ Tips & Tricks
π Chicken Variations:
Rotisserie Chicken is perfect for this recipe since itβs already cooked and adds extra flavor.
You can also use grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even turkey as a substitute.
π₯¦ More Veggies:
Feel free to add caramelized onions, mushrooms, or even spinach to mix up the veggies in this bake. You could also swap out broccoli for cauliflower or peas.
π§ Make It Extra Cheesy:
For an extra cheesy dish, add more mozzarella or even some cheddar on top. You could also layer some cheese in between the pasta and chicken mixture for an even gooier effect.
πΏ Fresh Herbs:
Garnish with fresh basil or thyme for an aromatic boost.
π§Ί Meal Prep & Storage
π§ Make-Ahead:
You can assemble this casserole up to 1 day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
π·οΈ Storage:
Fridge: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3β4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
π₯ Reheating:
When reheating, cover the casserole with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake at 350Β°F for about 15β20 minutes until heated through.
π΄ Perfect For Any Occasion
π½οΈ Weeknight Dinner: This easy-to-make casserole is a great option when you’re short on time but craving comfort food.
π₯³ Family Gatherings: Make a big batch for family dinners, potlucks, or holidays.
π Meal Prep: Portion out the leftovers into individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week.
πΈ Picture-Perfect Moment
For the perfect Instagram shot, cut into the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake and capture that cheesy pull. Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
πΈ Tag @zacrecipes.online and use #ChickenBroccoliAlfredoBake when you share your delicious creation!
π Final Bite: A Creamy, Cheesy Casserole Dream
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the epitome of comfort food. Itβs creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies, all in one easy-to-make dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or any time you’re craving a hearty, feel-good meal!