The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a luscious, rich, and satisfying dish that brings the warmth of comfort food right to your table. Loaded with tender pasta, juicy shredded chicken, and bright green broccoli, all coated in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, this is a recipe your family will ask for again and again.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners, this baked casserole delivers all the indulgent flavors of a restaurant-style Alfredo pasta in a fuss-free, oven-baked version. It’s also great for meal prep and leftovers, making it a reliable favorite for home cooks who love simple, delicious meals with a gourmet twist.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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3 cups broccoli florets
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still bright green. Set aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux.
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Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth and thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
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Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat evenly.
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 490 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
A Deliciously Creamy Classic: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
There’s something about the aroma of a creamy, cheesy casserole baking in the oven that brings comfort, warmth, and anticipation to the dinner table. One of the all-time favorites in this category is the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake, a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that merges classic Italian flavors with the heartiness of a baked casserole. This dish is not only easy to make but also deeply comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or special weekend meals.
While the name sounds indulgent, this dish also offers a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and calcium. With just a few simple ingredient, tender pasta, juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and a homemade Alfredo sauce you can create a meal that feels both luxurious and nourishing.
Why Chicken and Broccoli Work So Well Together
The pairing of chicken and broccoli is timeless, and for good reason. Chicken is a lean, versatile protein that takes on flavors exceptionally well. It provides the base of this dish with substance and richness. Broccoli, on the other hand, adds freshness, texture, and a vibrant color contrast to the creamy white sauce and melted cheese.
Nutritionally, broccoli is high in vitamins C, K, and A, and also delivers fiber and antioxidants. Combining it with protein-packed chicken results in a well-rounded meal that’s both hearty and health-conscious. When paired with pasta and enveloped in a velvety Alfredo sauce, the final dish becomes a complete comfort food experience.
The Magic of Homemade Alfredo Sauce
While you could use store-bought Alfredo sauce, making your own is incredibly simple and yields much better flavor. Homemade Alfredo starts with a roux, a mixture of butter and flour cooked together which acts as the base for a creamy sauce. Whole milk and heavy cream are then whisked in to form a luscious, thick texture. Parmesan cheese brings the signature savory, nutty flavor to the sauce, while Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes give it extra depth and a slight kick.
The key to a good Alfredo sauce is balance: not too thick, not too thin, with enough seasoning to complement the mild chicken and slightly bitter broccoli. Making the sauce from scratch also gives you control over the salt and fat content, allowing for a lighter or richer version depending on your preference.
Pasta: The Backbone of the Bake
The pasta you choose for this bake matters. Penne is a classic choice because its tubular shape holds onto sauce well, making every bite flavorful. However, you can easily substitute other pasta types such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven and you don’t want it to become mushy.
Using whole wheat or high-protein pasta is another great way to make this dish a bit healthier, especially if you’re serving it to kids or looking for a more nutrient-dense option.
Building the Perfect Bake
Once the components are ready, the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, steamed broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce—it’s time to assemble. Mixing everything together ensures that every bite includes a bit of everything: tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta coated in creamy sauce.
After mixing, the casserole is transferred to a baking dish, topped with shredded mozzarella, and baked until golden and bubbly. The cheese topping becomes gooey with crispy edges, creating a satisfying contrast in texture to the soft interior.
Tips for the Best Alfredo Bake
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Use fresh garlic: It adds depth to the Alfredo sauce that jarred or powdered garlic just can’t match.
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Don’t overcook the broccoli: Blanch it just until bright green. It will continue to soften during baking.
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Add breadcrumbs for texture: A layer of seasoned panko or regular breadcrumbs on top of the mozzarella adds a delicious crunch.
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Let it rest before serving: Allow the bake to sit for 5-10 minutes out of the oven so the cheese sets and the flavors meld.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This dish is excellent for meal prep and storing. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake it first, let it cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
It also freezes well. To freeze, use a freezer-safe baking dish and cover tightly with foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Variations to Try
While the classic version is delightful, you can customize it in several ways:
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Add bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
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Use spinach or kale in addition to or instead of broccoli.
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Swap chicken for turkey or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
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Try different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a more gourmet touch.
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Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a flour substitute for the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bake with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the creaminess, or a side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A simple bowl of roasted vegetables or a cup of minestrone soup also pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
For beverages, a glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the richness of the Alfredo sauce. For non-alcoholic options, lemon-infused sparkling water or iced tea with a citrus twist adds a refreshing contrast.
Conclusion
The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is more than just a pasta casserole, it’s a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and versatility in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for guests, or simply treating yourself to a satisfying meal, this bake delivers a gourmet feel without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. Its creamy, cheesy base, nutritious broccoli, and tender chunks of chicken all come together in a perfectly baked finish that’s both filling and crowd-pleasing.
From weeknight convenience to weekend indulgence, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Enjoy experimenting with different variations, and don’t forget to savor the leftovers they might taste even better the next day!