If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta all wrapped in a luscious Alfredo sauce, baked to bubbling golden perfection. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table—from the juicy chicken adding hearty protein, to the vibrant broccoli that offers a fresh crunch, and the creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce that ties everything together with rich, velvety goodness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, easy-to-cook protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and bright, they add a pop of green color and a satisfying crunch to the bake.
- Farfalle or penne pasta: These shapes hold the creamy sauce well and provide a pleasant bite.
- Heavy cream: The key to a rich and smooth Alfredo sauce that coats everything perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a sharp, nutty flavor that melts into the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced to add aromatic depth and a little zing.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens the dish with classic Mediterranean notes.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and greasing the baking dish, adding subtle richness.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure every bite comes out clean and perfect. This sets the stage for a gorgeous bake that’s easy to serve.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli
Cube the chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper. Sauté in a warm skillet with olive oil over medium heat until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Adding minced garlic and broccoli florets right after infuses the chicken with aromatic flavors and gently softens the broccoli while keeping it crisp—this balance of textures is truly key.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken and broccoli cook, boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but save a little bit of the pasta water — it comes in handy if your sauce needs a slight loosen-up later, helping you maintain that perfect creamy consistency.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
On low heat, gently warm the heavy cream in a saucepan to avoid scorching. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste — this sauce is where the dish really shines with its silky, herbaceous flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
In your prepared baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and that luscious Alfredo sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly, hot all the way through, and the top has taken on a delicate golden hue.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. These add an inviting pop of green and a fresh aroma that complements the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake is quite the star on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlicky breadsticks to scoop up every delicious bit of sauce. For a lighter touch, roasted cherry tomatoes on the side can bring a sweet and tangy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the bake in individual ramekins for a personal touch or top it with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs before baking for added texture. A drizzle of truffle oil over each serving can also elevate this comfort dish into something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When stored properly, it maintains its creamy texture and flavors, making it perfect for next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just make sure it has cooled completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transferring it into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, bake leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through to preserve that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this bake?
Absolutely! While farfalle or penne are ideal for holding the sauce, you can also use rotini, rigatoni, or even shells. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based cheese, you can make a tasty dairy-free version. Just note the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to the Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe?
Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all make great additions that add variety and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with or after the broccoli for best results.
How do I know when the bake is done?
You’ll want to see the sauce bubbling around the edges and a light golden color on top. The chicken should be cooked through and the broccoli tender but still slightly crisp. About 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F usually nails it.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great dish for meal prepping or hosting dinner parties.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe will become one of your go-to comfort foods. It strikes the perfect balance between creamy indulgence and fresh, vibrant flavors and is as easy to make as it is flattering on the plate. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to wow friends or family with a dish that tastes like a cozy celebration every single time.
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy, comforting Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake featuring tender chicken breasts, fresh broccoli, and pasta smothered in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines sautéing, stove-top cooking, and baking for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Sauté Chicken and Broccoli: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and broccoli florets, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until broccoli is crisp-tender and garlic is fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving some pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, gently warm the heavy cream. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, mixing well to create a flavorful and creamy base.
- Combine Ingredients: In the greased baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken and broccoli mixture, and creamy Alfredo sauce. Mix all components thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sauce and ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden, indicating that it’s heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining pasta to thin the Alfredo sauce if it thickens too much.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before baking can add a crunchy texture.
