Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
