If you are craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and topped with a gooey golden mozzarella crust. This bake is the perfect weeknight meal that brings family and friends to the table with ease, offering both nourishing veggies and indulgent flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe comes together beautifully with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Every component contributes to the dish’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying character.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein and a tender bite; shredded or diced works great depending on your preference.
- 4 cups cooked penne pasta: Provides a chewy, comforting base that holds the creamy sauce well; cooking al dente is key to avoid mushiness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Brings a bright pop of color and a nutritious crunch when steamed or blanched properly.
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce: The creamy, dreamy backbone of the bake that ties all ingredients together with richness.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note, enhancing depth and complexity without overpowering.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for that irresistible golden, bubbly crust.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out and balance all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Getting the oven ready ensures your bake starts cooking immediately once assembled, which helps lock in all those delicious flavors and textures.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Broccoli
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—meaning it still has a little bite to it. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them lightly. This method ensures your broccoli retains a lovely bright green color and crisp texture. Once done, drain everything thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together your cooked chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step is where all the creamy, hearty goodness comes together before heading to the oven.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Transfer the creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This even layering helps the bake cook uniformly and allows every bite to have the right balance of chicken, broccoli, and pasta.
Step 5: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish. This generous layer of cheese will melt and brown beautifully, creating that irresistible golden finish that makes the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe such a crowd-pleaser.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has turned a gorgeous golden brown. This step melds all the flavors and textures together into one cohesive, indulgent meal.
Step 7: Optional Broil for Extra Browning
If you want a little extra crisp and color on top, broil the bake for 1 to 2 minutes following baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning because cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the bake set slightly and makes it easier to dish out without losing its creamy structure. Consider garnishing with some fresh chopped parsley for a lovely burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves brightens up the rich creamy notes and adds a fresh, herbal contrast. A small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can also bring a little zing if you want to spice things up.
Side Dishes
This bake is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread complements the creamy texture perfectly, adding fresh crunch or a buttery crunch to the experience. A light citrus vinaigrette salad can also cut through the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve the bake family-style straight from the casserole dish, allowing everyone to dig in happily. If you want to get fancy, portion the bake into individual ramekins and garnish with finely chopped herbs or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get even better overnight, making for an easy, satisfying next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe for up to 2 months. Freeze it before baking for best results: assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy nights.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through and bubbly again. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to avoid drying out, removing the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the cheese crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water from the broccoli before mixing it in. This helps prevent the bake from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the Alfredo sauce for a dairy-free version, use vegan shredded cheese, and substitute Parmesan with a plant-based alternative. The bake will still be creamy and delicious.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Definitely! Cooked and shredded chicken thighs add a juicy, richer flavor that works wonderfully in this bake.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper when seasoning. Serving with a spicy side or hot sauce also boosts the heat level.
What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?
Penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, but rigatoni, rotini, or ziti are also great options that provide texture and catch all the creamy goodness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe. It’s a cozy and crowd-pleasing meal that brings together creamy, cheesy comfort with nutritious veggies and tender chicken in the most delicious way. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends or simply want a satisfying solo dinner, this recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite. Now all that’s left is to grab your ingredients and dive into making this delicious bake—trust me, you’ll be so glad you did!
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Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole featuring tender cooked chicken, penne pasta, and fresh broccoli florets all mixed in a rich Alfredo sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy meal anytime.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 cups cooked penne pasta (about 8 ounces dry)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain both together and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, stirring until well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the mixture evenly into it.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a rich, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted and begun to turn golden brown.
- Optional Broil: For extra browning and crispness, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the bake cool for about 5 minutes. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti.
- Broccoli can be steamed or blanched to retain a bright green color and slightly crisp texture.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or reduce the cheese amounts slightly.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking directly from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
