Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is all about creamy, cheesy goodness that just wraps around tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into something so comforting and satisfying. I often whip this up when I want a cozy dinner that’ll impress both family and friends. The way the melted cheese bubbles up and the aroma fills the kitchen? Wow! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you don’t have to spend hours slaving away. Trust me, this casserole will soon become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake a success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (I love using rotisserie chicken for that extra flavor!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re tender!)
- 8 oz penne pasta (don’t forget to cook it al dente for that perfect texture!)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade, it’s all creamy goodness!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because who doesn’t love melty cheese?)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a lovely sharpness to the dish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (it gives a warm, aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for that extra herby kick)
Make sure to measure everything out before you start—trust me, it helps to have everything ready to go! Enjoy the process, and let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every step. Just follow these easy directions, and you’ll have a delicious casserole in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because you want that cheese to melt perfectly and get all bubbly and golden on top!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the oven is heating up, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—about 8-10 minutes usually does the trick. You want it to have a little bite since it’ll bake further in the oven!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together your cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and that perfectly cooked pasta. Pour in the Alfredo sauce, sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning, then mix it all up until everything is coated. Trust me, getting this step right means flavor in every bite!
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Carefully transfer that delicious mixture into a baking dish. I like to use a spatula to make sure I get every last bit in there. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly. No one wants a dry corner!
Step 5: Add Cheese Toppings
Now for the fun part—topping it with cheese! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens, and it will create that beautiful, gooey layer we all crave.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is all bubbly and has a lovely golden color. Seriously, the smell will drive you wild!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This little wait is worth it as it helps the casserole set and makes it easier to scoop out those perfect portions. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy, cheesy flavor will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Loaded with protein from the chicken and healthy greens from the broccoli.
- This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- It’s customizable! Feel free to add your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese.
- Leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day!
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a total hit? Here are my top tips for making it absolutely perfect every time:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Remember, you want it al dente! It will continue to cook in the oven, so it’s better to undercook it slightly.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli not only tastes better, but it also adds a nice crunch to the dish. If you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well!
- Mix well: Take your time when combining the ingredients to ensure every piece of chicken and broccoli is coated in that luscious Alfredo sauce. This makes for a more flavorful bite!
- Keep an eye on the cheese: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bake at the 25-minute mark. You want that golden, bubbly cheese without burning it!
- Let it rest: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps the casserole set and makes serving a breeze.
With these little nuggets of wisdom, your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake will be nothing short of spectacular! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a comforting meal like Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, it’s nice to know what you’re fueling your body with! Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for a serving size of 1 cup:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re tracking your intake closely. But overall, this dish packs a punch with its protein content while still being deliciously indulgent!
FAQ About Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake a day in advance! Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
What can I substitute for Alfredo sauce?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use a homemade white sauce or even a cheese sauce if you want an extra cheesy experience. Just make sure it’s creamy to keep that delicious texture!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop it back in the oven until warmed through.
Can I add other vegetables to the bake?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some bell peppers, spinach, or even mushrooms. Just keep in mind that the more veggies you add, the more you’ll want to adjust the sauce to make sure everything stays creamy and delicious!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli or Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake: 7 Steps to Cozy Goodness
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy and cheesy casserole that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust broccoli quantity based on your preference.
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli alfredo bake
