Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting, creamy pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce, it’s baked to golden perfection and sure to please all ages.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and a little extra parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation without sacrificing flavor.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to change things up.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What pasta works best for this bake?

Ziti or penne are ideal because their tubular shapes hold the sauce well, but other sturdy short pasta like rigatoni or shells can be used too.

Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 111 reviews

This Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting and hearty casserole that combines tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and pasta smothered in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Baked with mozzarella and parmesan cheese until bubbly and golden, it makes a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Pasta

• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Extra parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli florets in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both pasta and broccoli and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in grated parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken breast, and Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Assemble the Bake: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and extra parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to dish out.

Notes

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Chicken can be pre-cooked in various ways: baked, grilled, or pan-seared before dicing.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
• You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Broccoli can be swapped with other vegetables like spinach or cauliflower according to preference.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Chicken Alfredo Bake, Broccoli Alfredo, Chicken Pasta Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Bake, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner