EASY CHICKEN ALFREDO BROCCOLI BAKE

Imagine a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying casserole that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. This Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake is pure comfort food, ready to warm you from the inside out, and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together. I promise, this will become a family favorite in no time!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/8 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Assembly:

• 8 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle), cooked according to package directions
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Let’s Talk About the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken prepped! You want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake. Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures they cook quickly and evenly, plus it makes it easier to eat in the final dish. I like to toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a simple but flavorful seasoning. Don’t skimp on the garlic powder – it adds a really nice depth of flavor. This is an easy keto recipes chicken strategy, since you are only using the breast and eliminating the carbs from the skin.

Broccoli: Not Just a Side Dish!

Now, let’s talk broccoli. I know, I know, some people aren’t huge fans, but trust me, in this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake, it’s amazing! Roasting the broccoli brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a slightly crispy texture that complements the creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly. Toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they’re tender-crisp. If you’re short on time, you can steam the broccoli instead, but I highly recommend roasting for the best flavor and texture. You can even customize this to your liking, like adding cauliflower, too! This recipe is great for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake as well.

The Secret to the Perfect Alfredo Sauce

Okay, now for the star of the show: the Alfredo sauce! A good Alfredo sauce can make or break this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and take your time. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I find that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in the flavor and texture of the sauce. This can also be a great start to good keto recipes for dinner, as the sauce and chicken are already keto friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Set aside.

Roast the Broccoli:

1. Spread the broccoli florets on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

Make the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Assemble the Bake:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, roasted broccoli, and Alfredo sauce.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
2. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Variations and Tips for a Perfect Bake

Want to switch things up? You can easily customize this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake to your liking. Add some cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor. Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone. Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added nutrients. If you’re looking for a low carb dinner prep option, consider using cauliflower rice instead of pasta. It’s a great substitute that won’t sacrifice the creamy texture. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce. If you are looking for more similar dishes, try this Broccoli Chicken Penne recipe.

Making it Keto-Friendly

For those following a ketogenic diet, this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake can easily be adapted to fit your needs. The key is to eliminate the pasta and focus on the protein and healthy fats. Replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative. Ensure your Alfredo sauce is made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, avoiding any added sugars or thickeners. By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying keto Alfredo recipes for dinner. Also, you might like Chicken Broccoli Orzo Bake for another variation.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. You may also like Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, a similiar recipe.

Other Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake, you might also enjoy these other delicious recipes: Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread, a fun and interactive appetizer or snack. Also, you might want to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a similar, but different flavor.

Enjoy Your Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake!

So there you have it! A super easy, super delicious Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do. Happy cooking!