Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake (Print version)
Creamy chicken, broccoli and pasta baked in Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese for a cozy weeknight meal.
# What you need:
→ Protein & Vegetables
01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
→ Pasta
03 - 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
→ Alfredo Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups heavy cream
07 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - Pinch ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Topping
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
04 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce is thickened and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, toss together cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
06 - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan evenly over the surface.
07 - Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden.
08 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The Alfredo sauce clings to every bite of pasta—cozy without being heavy, like a little Italian secret for perfect bakes.
- Leftovers become a treasure, staying creamy and satisfying even after reheating.
02 -
- Once, I overcooked the pasta and it turned mushy after baking—always go for slightly underdone noodles at the boiling stage.
- Learning to let the casserole rest before serving keeps each slice beautifully intact and not soupy.
03 -
- Mixing the hot Alfredo with the pasta and chicken quickly ensures the flavors meld and stay creamy—don’t let the sauce sit too long off-heat.
- For an especially golden top, broil the last 1-2 minutes—but watch closely, the cheese goes from perfect to burnt in an instant.