Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake (Printable Version)
Tender chicken, crisp broccoli and creamy Alfredo tossed with pasta and baked until golden.
# What You Need:
→ Protein & Vegetables
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
→ Pasta
03 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
→ Alfredo Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups heavy cream
07 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Topping
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
03 - Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until they turn bright green and remain slightly firm. Drain promptly to prevent overcooking.
04 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in 1 cup Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce until evenly incorporated.
06 - Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan, distributing cheese over the surface.
07 - Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
08 - Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The Alfredo sauce seeps into every bite, sounding decadent but coming together with surprising ease.
- It’s my go-to dinner when I want something hearty that still gets a few green veggies past the pickiest eaters.
02 -
- I once forgot to slightly undercook the pasta and paid for it with a mushy bake—it matters!
- Mixing the Alfredo sauce with the pasta and chicken while both are still warm helps the flavors cling to every bite.
03 -
- If you grate your own cheese, the top crisps up more beautifully than with pre-shredded kinds.
- That tiny pinch of nutmeg in the sauce—don’t skip it if you can help it, it does wonders for flavor.