Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe for Dinner Joy

Creamy chicken and broccoli baked Alfredo promises a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet impressive for hungry families.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly in this simple casserole.

Rich parmesan and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that satisfies deep cravings.

Crisp broccoli adds a fresh, green crunch to each delectable bite.

Minimal prep work means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly spectacular.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single mouthwatering spoonful!

Perfect Sides for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the creamy Alfredo sauce, balancing the richness with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the hearty chicken and broccoli casserole, adding a refreshing contrast to the heavy dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread becomes the perfect side, soaking up extra Alfredo sauce and providing a delightful crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
• Pour Sparkling Water with Lemon: A crisp, effervescent sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon cleanses the palate between bites and lightens the meal's richness.

Flavor Ideas for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Alfredo: Replace regular chicken with spicy shredded chicken. Add diced jalapeños and sprinkle chili powder into the sauce. Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Substitute broccoli with roasted zucchini and bell peppers. Include crumbled feta cheese and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a Mediterranean flair.
• Seafood Creamy Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or crab meat. Incorporate fresh diced scallions and a splash of white wine into the Alfredo sauce. Top with a light breadcrumb and parsley mixture before baking.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Use roasted cubed tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition. Enhance the sauce with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Baked Alfredo Questions and Answers

• Why should I use al dente pasta for this recipe?

Al dente pasta helps maintain a perfect texture in the casserole. It prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking and absorbs the Alfredo sauce beautifully without falling apart.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture. Fresh or frozen, the broccoli will blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.

• How do I know if my roux is done correctly?

A properly made roux should look smooth and smell slightly nutty. Cook it for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. It should turn a light golden color and help thicken the Alfredo sauce without any raw flour taste.

• Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese?

While you can use just one cheese, the combination creates a richer, more complex flavor profile. Parmesan adds a sharp, salty taste, while mozzarella provides that delicious melty, stretchy texture on top of the casserole.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Is a Creamy Favorite

• Creamy Comfort Perfection: This baked Alfredo delivers ultimate satisfaction with its rich, velvety sauce that hugs every pasta and chicken piece, creating a warm, indulgent meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Assembled in under 45 minutes, this one-pan wonder simplifies dinner prep with minimal dishes, making it a lifesaver for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without exhausting kitchen cleanup.
• Nutrient-Packed Flavor Explosion: Packed with lean protein from chicken and vibrant broccoli, this dish sneaks in healthy ingredients while tasting like a decadent restaurant-style casserole that will please both kids and adults.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easy to adapt with different proteins or vegetables, this recipe welcomes creativity, allowing home cooks to personalize the dish based on what's in their refrigerator or family preferences.

Ingredients in Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Pasta: Classic base for creamy casserole, choose penne or fettuccine for best texture.

• Chicken, Parmesan Cheese: Protein-rich ingredients that add savory flavor, use cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Broccoli: Green vegetable that provides nutrition and color, fresh florets work best.

• Butter, Flour, Heavy Cream: Classic Alfredo sauce base, ensure cream is full-fat for richness.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor, fresh minced garlic preferred over pre-minced.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that create golden, crispy top layer.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential flavor enhancers, freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for brightness and color.

Simple Steps for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli florets under cool running water. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam until the broccoli turns a vibrant green and becomes just tender – about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Build the Casserole

• Cooked pasta
• Tender chicken pieces
• Steamed broccoli
• Creamy Alfredo sauce

• Mozzarella cheese
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 375F (190C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for that irresistible golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top. Scoop out generous portions and prepare for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Best Tips for Baked Alfredo Success

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality pasta like penne or fettuccine for the best texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce.
• Broccoli Brilliance: Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, preventing overcooking and mushiness.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk the cream gradually into the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky, velvety Alfredo sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with cooked shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile and adaptable dish.
• Cheese Customization: Experiment with different cheese blends like fontina or gruyere to add depth and unique flavor to the classic Alfredo casserole.

How to Store and Reheat Alfredo Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce's creamy texture.
• Microwave Method: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when food reaches steaming hot temperature.

Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken and broccoli baked alfredo, a creamy Italian-inspired casserole that promises pure culinary satisfaction. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly roasted broccoli unite in a harmonious dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets, steamed

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream or whole milk
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary stage by warming the oven to 375F (190C). Liberally coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Transform pasta into perfectly textured strands by submerging in a generously salted boiling water bath. Cook until achieving an ideal al dente consistency, then carefully drain and reserve.
3. Transform broccoli florets into tender emerald gems through gentle steaming. Monitor closely to retain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, approximately 4-5 minutes. Set aside momentarily.
4. Craft a luxurious Alfredo sauce by melting butter in a simmering saucepan. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture. Whisk in flour, creating a silky roux that will serve as the sauce’s foundation.
5. Gradually integrate cream into the roux, whisking continuously to eliminate potential lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, infusing the sauce with a robust, nutty dimension. Season with subtle hints of nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Harmoniously combine cooked pasta, tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and the sumptuous Alfredo sauce in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure each ingredient is lovingly enrobed in the creamy mixture.
8. Transfer the integrated components to the prepared baking dish, creating an inviting landscape of culinary potential. Crown the creation with an even blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the casserole to transform for 20-25 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbling surface that signals perfect doneness.
10. Permit the casserole a brief moment of rest after emerging from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a final flourish of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by ensuring it’s al dente, which prevents mushiness when baked in the casserole.
• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that leads to soggy vegetables.
• Create a smooth Alfredo sauce by whisking cream gradually and consistently to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for varied dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Enhance dish’s nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for increased vitamins and fiber.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by using alternative flour like cornstarch or rice flour, and selecting gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Reduce calorie content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and selecting low-fat cheese options without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg