Description
This Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake combines tender cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this baked casserole is an easy, comforting American main course perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets. Pour the Alfredo sauce over them and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare and Add Topping (Optional): If using, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set properly.
Notes
- For greater flavor depth, consider using grilled or roasted chicken pieces instead of plain cooked chicken.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
- Enhance the nutritional value by stirring in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach along with the broccoli.
