Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake because it delivers everything you want in a hearty dinner—creamy sauce, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and melty cheese in every bite. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and a great way to sneak in vegetables. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a classic you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream or half-and-half
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper
- Italian seasoning or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- (Optional) Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and the Alfredo sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and baking takes 25 minutes, for a total of around 40 minutes.
Variations
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the Alfredo sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Lighter Option: Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour if thickening the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it. To freeze, cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely—just thaw and drain it well before mixing it into the pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce?
Yes, but homemade Alfredo sauce gives the best flavor and creaminess.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely—penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
Add a layer of Parmesan or a cheese blend on top before baking.
Can I add breadcrumbs on top?
Yes, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with butter for a crispy topping.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! The creamy sauce and cheesy flavor are loved by both kids and adults.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to family gatherings. Each bite is warm, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a must-try for pasta lovers everywhere.
PrintChicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole made with tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli all coated in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s the perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- (Optional) Add cream cheese for extra creaminess, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
- Thaw and drain frozen broccoli well before adding to the casserole.
- For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg