Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a deliciously creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheesy crust. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in an easy-to-make oven-baked casserole.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
Sauce
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Others
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender yet still vibrant and firm, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. This adds a subtle flavor base to the casserole.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked pasta, sautéed garlic, Alfredo sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning if using. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen broccoli if fresh is not available; just thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Alfredo sauce or a cauliflower-based sauce.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and baked right before serving.
- Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick of heat if desired.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
