There’s something heartwarming about a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that brings everyone to the table. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal that’s both comforting and delicious, look no further than Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo. This classic recipe combines tender pieces of chicken, nutritious broccoli, and pasta all tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce, topped with cheese, and baked to perfection. The best part? It’s simple to prepare and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Let’s dive into how you can create this delightful dish for your next family meal.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo, you will need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
(Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe.) - 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
(You can steam the broccoli ahead of time or while preparing the sauce.) - 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
(Any pasta will work, but penne or fettuccine hold up well in this dish.) - 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
(Feel free to use your favorite jarred sauce, or make your own Alfredo sauce from scratch!) - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
(For that gooey, cheesy top layer.) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(This adds a sharp, savory flavor.) - 1 tbsp olive oil
(For sautéing the garlic.) - 2 cloves garlic, minced
(Fresh garlic adds a lot of flavor to the Alfredo sauce.) - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
(This blend of herbs gives the dish an extra depth of flavor.) - Salt and pepper to taste
(Season according to your preference.)
Directions and Preparation Method
Let’s walk through how to prepare this mouthwatering Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, start by either cooking chicken breasts or using rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred or cube the cooked chicken and set it aside. Meanwhile, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still vibrant green. You can steam them in a pot of boiling water for about 5-6 minutes or microwave them for 3-4 minutes with a bit of water.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne and fettuccine work especially well in this recipe. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. Stir in the Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Sauce
Once your sauce has simmered, add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli directly to the skillet. Stir everything to coat the chicken and broccoli evenly with the Alfredo sauce. This mixture will soon come together as the hearty base for your baked dish.
Step 5: Mix with Pasta
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and broccoli Alfredo sauce. Toss everything until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Pour the pasta, chicken, and broccoli mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Then, follow with the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Step 8: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Step 9: Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! While broccoli pairs wonderfully with Alfredo sauce, you can swap it out or add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas. Just be sure to cook or steam any vegetables you choose before adding them to the dish.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. What kind of chicken works best in this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver, but any cooked chicken will work. Grilled, roasted, or even leftover chicken from another meal can be used. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the dish.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even gouda could add a different flavor twist to your dish.
5. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure that your Alfredo sauce is also gluten-free, as some store-bought versions may contain gluten.
6. How can I make homemade Alfredo sauce?
To make homemade Alfredo sauce, you will need 1 cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of garlic powder. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stir in the cream and garlic powder, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo. Assemble the dish but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
8. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great side dishes to serve with Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo. These sides complement the richness of the Alfredo sauce while adding variety to the meal.
9. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
10. Can I make this dish healthier?
To make a lighter version of Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, low-fat Alfredo sauce, and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also use more vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and pasta all baked to cheesy perfection, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap out ingredients or adapt it to suit dietary preferences. Whether you make it as a weeknight dinner or prepare it ahead of time for a special occasion, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones, and don’t forget to pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for the ultimate dining experience!