This creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the epitome of comfort food. Featuring tender pasta tossed with juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s finished with golden melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you need a cozy, hearty dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bake offers a comforting combination of classic flavors in an easy-to-make format. The creamy Alfredo sauce is made from scratch, adding depth and richness to the dish without being overly heavy. The addition of broccoli adds color, texture, and a nutritional boost, while the cheesy topping provides a perfectly golden finish. It’s a well-rounded, family-friendly dinner that reheats beautifully for leftovers and makes meal prep a breeze.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- cooked chicken, chopped
- broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- penne or rotini pasta
- butter
- garlic, minced
- all-purpose flour
- milk
- heavy cream
- grated Parmesan cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- salt
- black pepper
- nutmeg (optional)
- chopped parsley (for garnish)
directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 4–5 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 530 kcal
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for convenience.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for added variety.
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower or low-carb pasta alternatives in place of traditional pasta.
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese or top with shredded provolone for a richer finish.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the Alfredo sauce for a subtle kick.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the top from drying out. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, for a quicker version, you can substitute with your favorite jarred Alfredo sauce, though homemade offers the best flavor.
Is it necessary to steam the broccoli first?
Lightly steaming ensures the broccoli cooks fully during baking and keeps its color and texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the bake up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Yes, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but fusilli, ziti, or rigatoni are also good choices.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce.
What cheese alternatives can I use?
Try Gruyère, fontina, or white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese quantities slightly to lighten the dish.
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid high heat when cooking the sauce and stir constantly while thickening.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or a meat substitute like plant-based chicken or tofu.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a warm, comforting dish packed with creamy texture and classic flavor. With its combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and rich homemade Alfredo, it’s a dependable dinner option that’s both crowd-pleasing and easy to prepare. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, this cheesy bake is sure to become a household favorite.
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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food. Loaded with tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s oven-baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Ideal for cozy family dinners, meal prep, or weeknight favorites!
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
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2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
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12 oz penne or rotini pasta
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2 tablespoons butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
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Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
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Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened.
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Add pasta, chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup mozzarella. Stir until combined.
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Transfer to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
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Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
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Substitute half-and-half for cream to lighten it up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Casserole / Pasta
- Method: Oven-Baked / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
