Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s then baked until bubbly and golden, creating a cozy, restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

Originally inspired by classic Italian Alfredo pasta, this version adds a wholesome twist with broccoli and transforms it into a hearty baked casserole — making it perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s pure comfort in a casserole dish. The creamy Alfredo sauce hugs every piece of pasta and chicken, while the broccoli adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness beautifully. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table — warm, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.

Plus, it’s easy to customize, uses simple ingredients, and reheats beautifully. Every bite feels indulgent yet wholesome — creamy sauce, tender chicken, melted cheese, and crisp-tender broccoli all in one!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines the best of pasta, protein, and veggies in one comforting meal.
• Family-friendly — even picky eaters love it!
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.
• Creamy, cheesy, and hearty — all the things we love in comfort food.
• Great for using up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 520–550 kcal

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Bake:

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, for topping
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing baking dish)
• Optional garnish: parsley or chili flakes

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare creamy Alfredo sauce.
3. Combine pasta, chicken, and broccoli with sauce.
4. Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

1. In the same pot, add broccoli florets to boiling water.
2. Cook for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste.
4. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Once melted and creamy, remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and broccoli.
2. Pour the Alfredo sauce over and mix gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2 minutes.
3. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve hot, straight from the oven!
Pair with:

• Garlic bread or buttered rolls
• A fresh Caesar salad or green salad
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

For a touch of freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil before serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Undercook pasta slightly so it doesn’t turn mushy while baking.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Add a pinch of red chili flakes for gentle heat.
• For extra creaminess, add cream cheese (2 tbsp) to the Alfredo sauce.
• Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set.

Variations

• Bacon Alfredo Bake: Add crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor.
• Seafood Alfredo Bake: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab meat.
• Spinach Alfredo Bake: Mix in baby spinach with the broccoli.
• Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch.

Freezing & Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

To Freeze:

• Assemble the bake but don’t bake it yet.
• Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

To Reheat Cooked Leftovers:

• Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
• Add a splash of milk if it looks dry.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Oven
• Colander for draining pasta
• Tongs or spatula for mixing

Conclusion

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting, creamy, and soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and luscious Alfredo sauce baked to golden perfection, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone come back for seconds.

It’s wholesome, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable — a must-have recipe for your dinner rotation. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven or from a freezer batch on a busy day, this dish delivers warm, cheesy comfort every single time.

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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Author: Anna Williams Cuisine: Italian Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 25 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 520 kcal

Description

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and satisfying in every bite. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s then baked until bubbly and golden, creating a cozy, restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream for extra richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Bake:

• 300 g (10 oz)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, for topping
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing baking dish)
• Optional garnish: parsley or chili flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli : In the same pot, add broccoli florets to boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce : In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw taste. Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Once melted and creamy, remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Combine Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Pour the Alfredo sauce over and mix gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Bake : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter. Pour the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and extra Parmesan evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Bake : Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for an additional 2 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Keywords: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake