If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all smothered in a luxuriously rich Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish combines simple ingredients in a way that’s endlessly delicious and crowd-pleasing. Let me walk you through the journey of creating this incredible bake that’s as easy to make as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe plays a crucial part in balancing flavor, texture, and color. They’re straightforward, accessible, and when combined, they create that classic comfort food feeling that warms you right up.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken ensures lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender in the bake.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a lovely pop of green and a touch of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Pasta (farfalle or penne): Choose a sturdy shape that holds the sauce well and provides a delightful bite in every forkful.
- Heavy cream: This is the base of the Alfredo sauce, delivering the signature creamy richness everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce to bring a salty, nutty depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic layers in savory aroma and flavor that warms the palate.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds complexity and a subtle herbal note without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: These simple seasonings enhance and balance all other flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and broccoli, adding richness and helping to develop beautiful browning.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Getting your workspace ready sets a good tone and workflow for the steps ahead.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in moisture and builds a lovely flavor foundation for the dish.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Broccoli
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and fresh broccoli florets. Sauté them together for 3 to 4 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and softens just enough to be tender but still has a bit of crunch. This quick sauté adds brightness and a bit of texture contrast that makes each bite interesting.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of farfalle or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but save a small cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it needs a little thinning later on.
Step 5: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Gently warm the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth. Add the Italian seasoning, and season to taste with salt and pepper. This simple homemade sauce is what makes the chicken and broccoli Alfredo bake truly irresistible.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and develops a light golden crust. This final bake melds all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and lovely finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving. A light dusting of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice visual appeal and a bit more cheesy goodness. These simple touches make your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe look just as delicious as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are fantastic options if you want to keep things indulgent but well-rounded. Steamed asparagus or roasted cherry tomatoes also make colorful, complementary sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Or, for a casual feast, bring the entire casserole dish to the table for a warm, family-style experience where everyone can help themselves. Adding a drizzle of truffle oil right before serving gives an elevated, gourmet twist to this homely favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving. Be sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
This bake freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy consistency and fresh flavors.
Reheating
To reheat, place a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in shorter bursts, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk if it looks too thick. This ensures your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe remains luscious and comforting every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well when fresh is not available. Just thaw and drain any extra moisture before adding to the skillet to avoid a watery sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Farfalle or penne are ideal choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely, but you can also use rotini or rigatoni if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. You could also toss in some cooked chickpeas for protein.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
To lighten it up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a creamy cashew sauce, and use reduced-fat Parmesan. Keep in mind the texture will be less rich but still tasty.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is mild and creamy by nature, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy feeling of diving into a warm, cheesy bake filled with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and that dreamy Alfredo sauce. This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to serve when guests arrive. I really hope you give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your trusted favorite meals.
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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole combining tender sautéed chicken, fresh broccoli florets, al dente pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfectly baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a tasty meal for guests.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Pasta
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cube the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: To the same skillet, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
- Cook pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a small cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and bake: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce, mixing until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture, but frozen broccoli can be substituted if thawed and drained.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella or extra Parmesan on top before baking can create a deliciously cheesy crust.
- If you prefer, cook the chicken whole then slice it before mixing to keep the pieces bigger.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much before baking.
