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
Scale
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.
