Name: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed; 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 oz penne or other pasta, cooked al dente; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried herbs

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If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food with a splash of elegance, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Imagine tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a luscious Alfredo sauce all bubbling with gooey melted cheese in one oven-baked masterpiece. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh that satisfies hunger and warms the soul. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, this bake delivers pure comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marble surface holds several white bowls and a glass pitcher arranged neatly: one large white bowl filled with bright green broccoli florets, a smaller white bowl with pale pink diced chicken pieces, another white bowl with shredded light yellow cheese, a small white bowl with minced garlic, and a small white bowl with black pepper; nearby is a small white bowl containing three pale yellow butter cubes and a small white bowl with golden yellow olive oil; uncooked pale yellow flat pasta sticks lie laid out flat beside a clear glass pitcher filled with white cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for an incredible depth of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in making the dish irresistible from start to finish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded or chopped, they provide hearty protein and a satisfying base to the bake.
Fresh broccoli florets: Add vibrant color and a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Alfredo sauce: The creamy star of the dish, made from butter, cream, and Parmesan, bringing richness and indulgence.
Cooked pasta (penne or rotini): Offers the perfect shape to trap the sauce and bits of chicken and broccoli for every forkful.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a stringy, golden crust on top.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a saltier, umami punch that deepens the overall flavor.
Garlic: A small amount brings aromatic depth that elevates the sauce beyond basic creaminess.
Butter and heavy cream: Essential for making that smooth and luxurious Alfredo sauce from scratch.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the bake.

How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Broccoli

Start by cooking your chicken breasts until tender, then shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cools, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for just a few minutes to keep them crisp yet tender. This ensures every ingredient holds up well in the bake without becoming mushy.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to package instructions, aiming for al dente texture since it will absorb additional moisture during baking. Drain it well so your bake doesn’t turn watery.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency. Taste and season with salt and black pepper. This homemade sauce is what makes this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe truly stand out.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Place your dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese on top melts and turns golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but feel free to broil it for the last minute for extra bubbly goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

A close-up of a white pot filled with creamy pasta, broccoli, and light pieces of chicken mixed evenly. The pasta is spiral shaped and pale yellow, while the broccoli pieces are bright green with some texture. The sauce is light, coating all ingredients smoothly. The pot has a blue handle and sits on a soft beige cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and bright herbal notes that balance the richness of the Alfredo. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also introduce just a hint of heat for those who like a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

Serve this bake alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic companions to mop up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this bake in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch when entertaining. Another fun option is to layer the ingredients in a clear casserole dish so guests can admire the vibrant colors before digging in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its luscious texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the entire bake either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish but don’t bake it; just wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready, bake from frozen with an extended cooking time. For best quality, consume within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain that lovely bake texture. Microwaving is also fine for a quick fix, but stir occasionally and cover loosely to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the Alfredo sauce?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a bit of cream cheese can help compensate for the reduced thickness.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even gouda for a unique twist.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Using vegetable broth in the Alfredo sauce can keep it flavorful.

What pasta works best for this bake?

Penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal since their shape holds the sauce and ingredients well, making every bite satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is pure comfort food magic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Its creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, makes every forkful a delight. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!