ULTIMATE CHICKEN BROCCOLI ALFREDO BAKE

Imagine the creamy, cheesy sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli florets, all baked to golden-brown perfection. This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I promise, you’ll be coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients List

Okay, let’s gather our supplies! Don’t worry, most of these are kitchen staples. This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is surprisingly easy to pull together.

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 onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Broccoli:

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

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)

For the Topping (Optional, but Recommended!):

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, friend, time to turn up the heat and create some magic! I’ll walk you through each step, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll nail this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake. This dish is perfect if you are looking for Easy Dinner Recipes For Two Low Carb, just substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
3. Spread the chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Set aside.

Step 2: Roast the Broccoli

1. While the chicken is baking, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
2. Spread the broccoli on another baking sheet (you can use the same one after the chicken is done, just wipe it clean!).
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and slightly browned. Roasting brings out the best flavor! Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the chicken and broccoli are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously – this adds flavor!
2. Drain the pasta well and set aside. Don’t overcook it; al dente is perfect!

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, baked chicken, roasted broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 6: Add the Topping (Optional, but Delicious!)

1. In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
2. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pasta mixture.

Step 7: Bake!

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth – trust me, I’ve been there!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Let’s talk about some insider tips to elevate your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake from good to *amazing*.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Dry chicken is a no-no! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Roast the Broccoli: While you *could* steam the broccoli, roasting it gives it a slightly charred, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan is Key: Seriously, pre-grated Parmesan just doesn’t melt as well or have the same depth of flavor. Splurge on a block and grate it yourself. You’ll taste the difference!
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Want a thicker sauce? Simmer it for a few more minutes. Prefer it thinner? Add a splash of milk or pasta water. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little kick.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is perfect for Best Meals To Meal Prep.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is how easily you can customize it!

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just roast them alongside the broccoli.
• Use Different Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using shrimp, sausage, or even tofu.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Make it Lighter: Use light cream cheese and skim milk to reduce the fat content.
• Cheese, Please! Add different kinds of cheese. A little Gruyere or Fontina is never a bad idea!
• Low Carb Option: To create Easy Dinner Recipes For Two Low Carb, try substituting the pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Level Up Your Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here are a few ideas to repurpose them:

• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Frittata: Whisk some eggs with a little milk and cheese, then stir in the leftover bake. Pour into a skillet and cook until set.
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Stuffed Peppers: Halve some bell peppers, remove the seeds, and fill with the leftover bake. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Soup: Add the leftovers to a pot with some chicken broth and simmer until heated through.

More Casserole Inspiration

If you love this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, you might also enjoy these other delicious casserole recipes:

• Try this Rotisserie Chicken Casserole, a super simple weeknight meal.
• Check out my Chicken Spaghetti Casserole for another family favorite.
• For a different flavor profile, try the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken served over pasta or rice.
• My Creamy Dreamy Chicken Casserole is another excellent option for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• If you are looking for a pasta dish, try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, or my Creamy Broccoli Chicken Penne.

Making This Work For Meal Prep

Healthy Food Ideas Meal Prep are essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and this recipe can be easily adapted for this purpose. Prepare the chicken, broccoli, and sauce separately. Cook the pasta al dente. Portion out the ingredients into meal prep containers and refrigerate. When ready to eat, combine everything in the container and microwave until heated through. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to go throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! I hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch. Happy cooking, my friend!