Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo – Creamy, Cheesy & Delicious

Imagine a dish where tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh broccoli are enveloped in a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, then baked until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly perfection. That’s exactly what you get with this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo—a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy night in.

This baked Alfredo pasta combines creamy, cheesy goodness with protein-packed chicken and nutritious broccoli, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that reheat beautifully, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the perfect Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo, including step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, FAQs, and serving ideas. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

✔ Ultra-Creamy & Cheesy – The homemade Alfredo sauce ensures a rich, velvety texture in every bite.
✔ Perfectly Baked – The golden, bubbly cheese topping adds an irresistible crunch.
✔ Protein-Packed & Nutritious – With lean chicken and fresh broccoli, it’s a meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully.
✔ Easy to Customize – Add extra veggies, swap proteins, or use different cheeses to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Bake

• 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta – Holds the sauce beautifully.
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) – Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen, adding a pop of color and nutrients.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts perfectly for a gooey texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A flavorful blend of herbs.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.

For the Homemade Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base for a rich, silky sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Brings out aromatic depth.
• 2 cups heavy cream – Creates a luscious, creamy consistency.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Infuses the sauce with bold, cheesy goodness.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a little spice.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) – Enhances the warmth of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta & Broccoli

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3️⃣ In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain everything and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Alfredo Sauce

1️⃣ In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2️⃣ Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer (don’t let it boil).
3️⃣ Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

1️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine:
✅ Cooked pasta & broccoli
✅ Shredded or cubed chicken
✅ Homemade Alfredo sauce

2️⃣ Toss everything together until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4️⃣ Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning evenly on top.

Step 4: Bake & Serve

1️⃣ Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
2️⃣ For an extra golden, crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes.
3️⃣ Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
4️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan, if desired.

Baking Alternatives & Variations

🔥 Want a lighter version?

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Swap mozzarella for part-skim cheese.
• Replace some pasta with extra broccoli.

🔥 Make it extra meaty!

• Add crispy bacon bits or swap chicken for Italian sausage.

🔥 Try different cheeses

• Use Gruyère, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.

🔥 Make it spicy

• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.

🔥 Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour to thicken the sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

🥖 Garlic Bread – The perfect crispy, buttery side.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A light, refreshing balance.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – For extra nutrition.
🍷 White Wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) – Pairs beautifully with creamy Alfredo.

Storage & Reheating Tips

🛑 Fridge Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🛑 Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
🛑 Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I prevent my Alfredo sauce from separating?

Don’t boil the cream, and whisk constantly while adding Parmesan.

3. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

Yes, but homemade is creamier and fresher. If using store-bought, pick a high-quality brand.

4. How do I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or dairy-free milk and vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

5. Can I add more veggies?

Absolutely! Try spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort food with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli. The homemade Alfredo sauce makes all the difference, bringing rich, indulgent flavors to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy family meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Try it today and experience the best baked Alfredo pasta ever!

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