Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is that dreamy comfort food you crave when you want something creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying on your dinner table. Imagine tender chunks of seared chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta all blanketed in a silky Alfredo sauce, then baked until golden and bubbling. This comforting one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, feeding a crowd, or just making your family smile at the end of a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a few well-chosen ingredients can come together for a dish that tastes like you cooked for hours. Each element in this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake adds something special— from the bite of broccoli to the creaminess of Alfredo sauce, every component is there for a reason!

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3-4, about 1.5 lbs): Use fresh, not frozen if possible, for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken.
• Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups): Fresh broccoli gives a bright pop of color and a satisfying crunch after baking.
• Penne or rotini pasta (8 oz): These shapes catch the sauce perfectly—choose your favorite, but don’t overcook!
• Alfredo sauce (2 cups): Go homemade for extra decadence or use a good store-bought variety to save time.
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (1 cup): This topping is key for a delicious golden crust; freshly shredded melts best.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle punch of flavor without the hassle of peeling and mincing.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season as you go for balanced flavor in every bite.
• Olive oil (for cooking): A drizzle in the pan keeps your chicken juicy and adds richness.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the ideal environment for bubbling, cheesy perfection later on. Taking a few minutes for the oven to heat while you prep the other ingredients keeps the process moving seamlessly.

Step 2: Cook and Prep the Chicken

Drizzle a skillet with olive oil and heat over medium. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder before searing. Cook each side until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the inside is cooked through. Let it rest briefly before cutting into bite-sized pieces—this helps lock in those wonderful juices!

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your penne or rotini and cook until just al dente—they’ll soften more as they bake. Drain well to avoid a watery bake, and don’t forget to give them a gentle stir to separate any sticky pieces.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, fresh broccoli florets, Alfredo sauce, the remaining garlic powder, and another sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is beautifully coated in sauce. The broccoli will cook perfectly in the oven, staying bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Lightly grease your favorite baking dish, then pour in your mixture. Spread it out evenly, smoothing the top before showering the entire surface with that glorious shredded Parmesan cheese. This is what creates that irresistibly cheesy, crispy top layer!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. When you see the sauce bubbling around the edges and the cheese topping looking gold and toasty, it’s ready! Let it rest a few minutes before scooping so everyone gets both creamy sauce and crispy topping in every bite.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a flurry of extra Parmesan over the finished bake adds freshness and makes every serving look restaurant-worthy. If you love a little zing, a quick scatter of crushed red pepper flakes is wonderful too.

Side Dishes

This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake pairs brilliantly with a crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens to cut through the richness. Add some warm, crusty bread or garlic knots on the side for the perfect way to scoop up every bit of that silky sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve the bake family-style straight from the dish for that cozy, shared experience, or portion it into ramekins for elevated, individual servings—guests absolutely love the personal touch. For potlucks, consider baking in a deep disposable foil tray for easy transport and zero clean-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake has cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a lifesaver for quick lunches and no-fuss dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extra portions, let the bake cool completely, then cut into serving-sized squares and wrap individually, or seal the entire dish tightly. It’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the bake with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until heated through. For single servings, the microwave works well—just add a splash of milk or broth before reheating to keep it creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie or leftover roast chicken are fantastic time-savers and instantly add depth of flavor. Just shred or dice the cooked chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works in a pinch! Thaw and pat dry before mixing in to avoid excess water in your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake. The texture may be a bit softer, but it’s still delicious.

What’s the best pasta to use for this bake?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or ziti are perfect since they hold up well in the oven and catch plenty of sauce. Feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.

How do I make this dish lighter?

To lighten things up, try using a light Alfredo sauce, go easy on the cheese, or use part-skim mozzarella instead of all Parmesan. You can also bulk up the broccoli for more veggies in every bite!

Can I prepare Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the bake up to 24 hours in advance and cover tightly in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s nourishing, comforting, and certain to impress, the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love every cheesy, creamy forkful!

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