Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

When it comes to hearty, satisfying meals that bring everyone around the table, few dishes compete with a Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy Alfredo sauce, this is comfort food at its best.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for the week, or simply craving something indulgent and nourishing, this bake checks every box. It’s easy to customize, loaded with nutrients and flavor, and oh-so-irresistibly bubbly when it comes out of the oven.

Let’s dive deep into this creamy, crave-worthy classic and learn how to master it at home.

🛒 Ingredients (US Measurements)

To serve approximately 6 people, gather the following ingredients:

  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced

  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or farfalle work best — about 2½ cups dry)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

✅ Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best creamy consistency.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add your diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

🍗 Juicy chicken tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

3. Sauté Garlic and Broccoli

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
Toss in minced garlic and broccoli florets.
Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and the broccoli turns bright green but still crisp.

🥦 Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should still have a little bite to contrast the creaminess of the sauce.

4. Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
Drain well, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

5. Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over low heat.
Once warm, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick and smooth.
Stir in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

🧀 The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, velvety texture.

6. Combine All Ingredients

In your prepared baking dish, mix:

  • Cooked pasta

  • Sautéed chicken

  • Garlic and broccoli

  • Alfredo sauce

Stir everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

7. Bake to Golden, Bubbling Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier slicing.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Rest Time: 5–10 minutes

  • Total Time: ~50 minutes

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake serves about 6 people.

Nutrient Amount (Approx.)
Calories 480 kcal
Protein 34 g
Fat 25 g
Saturated Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 30 g
Fiber 3 g
Calcium 250 mg
Sodium 600 mg

🔎 Note: These values are estimates and will vary based on your choice of ingredients and portion size.

💡 Tips for Success

✔ Use fresh chicken rather than pre-cooked for the best texture and flavor.
✔ Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes in the oven without turning mushy.
✔ Grate your own cheese for a smoother Alfredo sauce that melts perfectly.
✔ Add a little pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick before baking.
✔ Let the dish rest before serving to keep layers intact and bring out more flavor.

🌿 Customization Ideas & Variations

The base of this bake is simple, but you can take it in endless directions. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

🔥 Make It Spicy

  • Add red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a gentle kick.

  • Mix in a diced jalapeño or serve with a drizzle of hot sauce.

🧀 Make It Ultra Cheesy

  • Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra gooey finish.

  • Sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a golden, bubbly crust.

🥬 Add More Greens

  • Toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale before baking.

  • Try zucchini ribbons or asparagus tips for a seasonal twist.

🍝 Go Low-Carb

  • Replace pasta with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly option.

🥗 Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with one of these delicious sides:

  • Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

  • A crisp Caesar salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette

  • Roasted vegetables (like carrots, squash, or Brussels sprouts)

  • A glass of chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon

❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

  • Cool leftovers completely before covering.

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

  • Assemble the dish (without baking) and cover tightly.

  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

  • Bake from frozen at 350°F for 40–45 minutes, covered with foil, then 10 minutes uncovered.

To Reheat:

  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave (add a splash of milk to keep it moist).

  • Reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F, covered, until warmed through.

🎉 Great for Meal Prep & Gatherings

This dish is perfect for:

  • Family dinners

  • Potlucks and get-togethers

  • Holiday side dishes

  • Lunch prep (store in glass containers for easy reheating)

Double the recipe for a crowd and bake in two dishes. It’s always a hit!

🤔 FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! If you’re in a hurry, shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Just skip the cooking step and add it directly to the baking dish.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Try half-and-half for a lighter sauce or whole milk + 1 tbsp flour as a thickening alternative.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Just thaw and drain before adding to avoid excess water in the bake.

🔟 Hashtags for Social Media Sharing

#ChickenAlfredoBake #ComfortFood #EasyDinnerRecipes #BroccoliLovers #CheesyGoodness
#PastaBakePerfection #MealPrepFriendly #CreamyChicken #OneDishWonder #FamilyFavorites

✨ Final Thoughts

This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the kind of meal that satisfies your taste buds and your soul. It’s everything we love about creamy pastas, layered with wholesome veggies and lean protein—all tied together in one golden-baked masterpiece.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight, but comforting and elegant enough to serve for guests or special occasions. And the best part? It’s fully customizable, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

So grab that casserole dish and start layering up the love—your next family favorite is waiting.

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