The aroma of Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce all melded together in one comforting dish. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds.
Every time I whip up this delightful bake, I’m transported back to family gatherings where we would all gather around the table, forks poised and ready for a feast. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at dinner parties, promising an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a weeknight winner
- The rich flavors blend seamlessly for an unforgettable dish
- Its creamy texture and vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for leftovers or meal prep, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or protein
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, and I might have taken all the credit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green broccoli florets; they add color and nutrients to the bake.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Use your favorite pasta shape; it holds the sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: For that luxuriously creamy sauce you crave; don’t skimp on quality here.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan enhances flavor; avoid pre-grated cheese for better melting.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and lightly coat it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook your chosen pasta until al dente. Drain it, rinse under cold water, and set aside while you prepare everything else.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes should do the trick.
Add Broccoli and Seasoning: Toss in fresh broccoli florets along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the broccoli turns bright green but remains crisp—about 3-4 minutes.
Create the Alfredo Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with chicken and broccoli. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Let it simmer gently while stirring occasionally—about 5 minutes works wonders.
Combine Everything in Baking Dish: Mix cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce mixture until everything is well coated. Transfer this delightful concoction into your greased baking dish, spreading evenly across.
Don’t forget to top with extra parmesan if you’re feeling cheesy!
Now that you’ve prepared all these delightful layers of flavor, pop it into the oven for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
No one will be able to resist diving into this comforting Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake once it’s out of the oven!
You Must Know
- This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy dream come true
- It’s comforting, hearty, and the perfect way to sneak in some veggies
- The aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through your kitchen will have everyone racing to the dinner table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For efficiency, cook the chicken first, then prepare the pasta while making the Alfredo sauce. This ensures everything is hot, fresh, and ready to mix when you assemble your bake.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap broccoli for spinach or add mushrooms for extra flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick things up a notch, adding a spicy twist to this classic dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that creamy goodness stays intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese in your sauce
- Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente since it continues cooking while baking
- Always season each layer for maximum flavor throughout your dish
Creating this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and second helpings. My kids always ask for “more cheesy goodness,” and who can blame them?
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain excess water before adding it to your bake.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
How long does this dish last in the fridge?
This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake lasts about three days when properly stored.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce for a satisfying meal. This one-pan bake is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With its creamy texture and explosion of flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, drain, rinse, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; sauté diced chicken until golden brown (6-7 minutes).
- Add broccoli, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; cook until broccoli is bright green but crisp (3-4 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan until melted; let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, then transfer to the baking dish.
- Top with extra Parmesan if desired and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
