If you are craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that brings together tender chicken and fresh broccoli, you have to try this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe. This dish combines the rich flavors of a homemade Alfredo sauce with the satisfying texture of baked cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a hearty and irresistible meal. Whether for a family dinner or to impress friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and wholesome, turning simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component has a purpose: the chicken adds protein and heartiness, broccoli brings color and a fresh bite, and the cheeses melt into the creamy sauce that ties everything together. Having these essentials ready ensures your dish will be deliciously balanced and satisfying.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Adds tender protein and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets (blanched or steamed): Provides a pop of green and a nutritious crunch.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well): The perfect shape to hold the luscious sauce and baked cheese topping.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the rich and velvety base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with deep, nutty flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection both inside the bake and on top.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic intensity that elevates the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth to the dish.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spicy kick.
- 1/4 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional): Adds herbal complexity.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping): Creates a savory, golden crust when baked.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Gives a bubbly, melty finish.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it well and set aside so it won’t get mushy in the baking process. This simple prep lays the perfect foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook just until it releases its fragrant aroma, about 1 to 2 minutes – don’t let it brown or it will become bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes so the cream thickens slightly and becomes luscious.
Step 3: Season and Enrich the Sauce
Stir in the Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and your dried basil or Italian seasoning. Keep stirring the sauce gently until it’s perfectly smooth, creamy, and full of flavor. This sauce is the heart of the Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe, so take your time getting it just right.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets with the velvety Alfredo sauce. Make sure every bit is coated generously—that’s where the magic happens! This is when those simple ingredients turn into a comforting masterpiece.
Step 5: Assemble in a Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer your creamy pasta mixture inside. Evenly sprinkle the topping of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. This topping will melt, bubble, and transform into a golden, irresistible crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown. The oven magic makes this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe truly shine, turning gooey, cheesy, and rich with a slight crunch on top. Once baked, let it cool a few minutes so it sets up nicely before serving.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a burst of green and fresh flavor. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also enhance the cheesy richness, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This baked Alfredo dish is hearty on its own, but if you want a perfect balance, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread with a crunchy crust. These sides complement the creamy texture wonderfully and brighten up the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini baking dishes, each bubbling with cheesy goodness. You can also layer with different pasta shapes or add roasted cherry tomatoes on top before baking to introduce extra color and flavor layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy and delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions covered with a microwave-safe lid, heating in short intervals and stirring as needed to keep the sauce creamy and the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water from the frozen broccoli before mixing it in, so your bake doesn’t become watery.
What other types of cheese can I use?
While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to try provolone, fontina, or even a touch of cheddar for a different but still delicious flavor profile.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Heavy cream creates the best creamy sauce, but you can try half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. The texture won’t be quite as rich but still tasty.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe freezes well. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw before reheating to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers make great additions to add more depth, color, and nutrition to this satisfying dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food with nourishing ingredients. Cozy, creamy, and baked to cheesy perfection, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this warm, hearty dish that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo recipe that combines tender cooked chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly for a deliciously hearty meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (blanched or steamed)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
- 1/4 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and dried basil or Italian seasoning if desired. Continue cooking, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the topping cheeses (Parmesan and mozzarella) together, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy your hearty baked Alfredo!
Notes
- For best broccoli texture, blanch or steam florets before mixing into pasta to avoid sogginess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Optionally add red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for variations.
