A Delicious and Easy Recipe
If you’re in search of a cozy dinner that never fails to please, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is truly A Delicious and Easy solution for family meals. Imagine forkfuls of tender chicken and fresh green broccoli folded into creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce, all hugged by perfectly cooked pasta and topped with melty mozzarella. It’s pure comfort in every bite, super satisfying, and it couldn’t be simpler to prepare. This is the kind of dish that makes everyone gather around the table smiling, from busy weeknights to weekend get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that every ingredient matters, yet nothing feels fussy or out of reach. Each one brings its own touch to the flavor, creaminess, and hearty feel of this A Delicious and Easy pasta bake.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is your main source of protein and a great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, nutrition, and a bit of crunch; fresh or frozen both work beautifully.
- Cooked pasta: Penne or rotini are perfect for catching all that luscious sauce – be sure to cook al dente!
- Butter: Starts the Alfredo sauce, giving it that signature silky richness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed for a savory, aromatic base.
- All-purpose flour: Builds the foundation of your roux, ensuring the sauce thickens up just right.
- Milk: Lightens and stretches the sauce while adding creamy body.
- Heavy cream: Brings that over-the-top luxuriousness to the Alfredo.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it bold flavor and a bit of tang.
- Salt: Simple seasoning to tie all the flavors together.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to provide classic, savory notes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melted on top and throughout for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make A Delicious and Easy
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give your broccoli a quick steam or dunk in boiling water, just 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to bring out its green vibrancy and soften it a bit without overcooking, so it holds up in the bake.
Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, creating a roux, which should cook to a pale golden color in about a minute. Gently whisk in the milk and cream, and keep whisking until the sauce thickens to creamy perfection—this usually takes 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning so the sauce is flavorful and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta
Grab a big mixing bowl and add the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, chicken, and half the mozzarella. Pour that glorious Alfredo sauce right over the top and toss everything together until it’s coated evenly. You want all the good stuff in every scoop!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges and beautifully golden on top. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve A Delicious and Easy
Garnishes
Finish off your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, chopped Italian parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. These little toppings add a burst of flavor, color, and that final, irresistible touch of freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair this A Delicious and Easy bake with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette, or maybe some roasted vegetables for added balance. A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or want to make dinner extra special, spoon the bake into individual ramekins before baking for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also top each serving with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta for a gourmet twist. Leftovers? Turn them into a lunchbox pasta salad the next day by serving cold or at room temperature with extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the bake cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead option for busy weekdays. The flavors meld even more as it sits, so it’s just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
To really lean into A Delicious and Easy routine, assemble the dish up to the point of baking and cover tightly with foil. Freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time as needed. You can also freeze individual portions for single-serve convenience.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions into a 350°F oven, covered, until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes). You can also microwave single servings, though do it gently and stir halfway so everything heats evenly. If the bake seems a tad dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of milk before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well, making A Delicious and Easy way to repurpose holiday extras while keeping the dish just as flavorful and comforting.
What type Main Course
Penne and rotini are ideal for holding onto that creamy Alfredo sauce, but fusilli or even shells also fit the bill. Just steer clear of delicate pastas that might turn mushy during baking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe welcomes creativity. Try adding spinach, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or even bell peppers for more color, flavor, and nutrition. Make it your own version of A Delicious and Easy family favorite.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If your Alfredo sauce seems too thick, simply whisk in a splash of extra milk before mixing with the pasta and veggies. It should be creamy enough to coat everything generously, ensuring your final bake is luscious and moist.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the sauce. The results will still be totally A Delicious and Easy, satisfying gluten-free guests just as much.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is one of those A Delicious and Easy meals that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers for busy days, it’s a dish you’ll revisit time and again. Give it a try—you’re about to make your dinner table a much happier place!
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A Delicious and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta smothered in a rich Alfredo sauce and gooey cheese come together in a delightful casserole that’s easy to make and even easier to love.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 12 oz cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender.
- Make the Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add flour, then slowly whisk in milk and cream. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine: Mix pasta, chicken, broccoli, and half of the mozzarella. Pour sauce over and stir to coat.
- Bake: Transfer to dish, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- The dish can be prepared in advance and baked when needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
