Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake that’s perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, and fresh broccoli come together in a rich Alfredo sauce topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces – Holds sauce beautifully with its ridges and tube shape.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 2 cups, shredded – Adds lean, protein-rich substance to the bake.
- Broccoli Florets: 3 cups – Brings a fresh, slightly crisp contrast and bursts of green.
- Alfredo Sauce: 2 cups – The creamy base that ties the dish together. Jarred or homemade.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1½ cups, shredded – Melts into gooey perfection and creates that irresistible cheesy top.
- Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, grated – Adds sharp, nutty depth to the creaminess.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the Alfredo and adds a subtle savory note.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Lends an herby complexity and ties flavors together.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – Balances all the creamy, cheesy richness.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon – A hint of heat to brighten the dish.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. In the last 2 minutes, toss in broccoli. Drain and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, half the mozzarella, and half the parmesan.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese, spreading evenly across the surface.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Finishing Touches: Let rest for 10 minutes out of the oven to allow everything to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop generous portions onto plates. Maybe sprinkle a touch of fresh parsley or an extra parmesan flourish.
Notes
- Undercook pasta slightly to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Let the dish rest after baking for cleaner slices.
- Try adding a spoonful of pesto for extra herby depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg