If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and luscious Alfredo sauce, then this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is your new best friend. This bake offers the perfect blend of flavors and textures, from the cheesy golden crust on top to the smooth, rich sauce that seamlessly coats every bite of pasta and veggie. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this recipe makes weeknight dinners and cozy weekend meals equally delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients sets the stage for this dish to shine. Each component plays a key role—from the creamy Alfredo sauce’s richness to the fresh bite of broccoli and the hearty texture of chicken and pasta.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): shredded or cubed, this protein makes the bake hearty and satisfying.
- Broccoli florets (3 cups): lightly steamed to keep their bright color and crunchy texture.
- Penne or pasta of choice (12 oz): cooked al dente to hold up well during baking.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): the base for a creamy roux that adds richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): thickens the Alfredo sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
- Milk (1 cup): balances the creaminess without making it too heavy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup, divided): melts beautifully to create a golden, bubbly topping.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): provides a subtle kick.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon): introduces aromatic herbs that brighten the dish.
- Nonstick spray or butter: used to grease the baking dish ensuring easy cleanup and crisp edges.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, which is the ideal temperature for baking this casserole to golden perfection. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking and help the edges achieve that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter until it bubbles gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, careful not to brown it. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a smooth roux — this will thicken your sauce perfectly. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep whisking often as it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes, until velvety and coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat, and mix in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, tender chicken, and lightly steamed broccoli. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly with creamy goodness. This careful blending ensures every forkful bursts with flavor and comforting textures.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Until Golden
Transfer the saucy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top right before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges bubble and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set so it slices beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe both visually and in flavor. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and a light herbal note. A few red pepper flakes also add a pleasant heat if you love a little kick.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy bake with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also make fantastic accompaniments, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins. Layering the bake with a bed of baby spinach before adding the casserole mix adds a fresh surprise inside each serving. For a twist, swap penne with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe reheats beautifully, making it a perfect dinner for leftovers. Store any uneaten portion covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this bake either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. If microwaving, cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid to retain moisture and ensure the bake warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Thaw and drain it well and steam lightly before mixing to avoid excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Switching to part-skim mozzarella and using half-and-half instead of heavy cream will reduce fat while keeping the creamy texture. Adding extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach can boost nutrition too.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Turkey, cooked sausage, or even shrimp can be delicious substitutes, just adjust cooking times and preparation accordingly.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Penne is classic for holding sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle will also work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or thin?
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers; whisk continuously to avoid lumps. If it thickens too much before combining, add a splash of milk. If too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe quickly becomes a go-to comfort meal for its irresistible creaminess, balanced freshness, and simple preparation. It’s a cozy, family-friendly dish that brings smiles to the table — perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home too!
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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole combining tender cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, and al dente pasta all smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it makes an easy and satisfying family meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 12 oz penne or pasta of choice (cooked al dente)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
Other
- Nonstick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make Alfredo Sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth. Bring this to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded or cubed chicken, lightly steamed broccoli florets, and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble and Top. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the mozzarella is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve. Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce settle for easier portioning and enhanced flavor melding.
Notes
- You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
- Stir in cooked mushrooms or other vegetables for additional flavor and variety.
- To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking; bake when ready to serve.
