Introduction
Transform simple chicken, broccoli, and pantry staples into a ridiculously creamy, cheesy, and comforting Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, and it’s so easy, even the kids can help! Get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food – creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s also super easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and only one baking dish for easy cleanup! Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a good Alfredo bake!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 🥦 2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets
- 🍝 1 lb fettuccine pasta, cooked al dente
- 🧀 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 2 cups heavy cream
- 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧈 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 🌿 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large (9×13 inch) baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli florets.
3️⃣ In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
4️⃣ Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture. Stir gently to combine.
6️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
8️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key to preventing a mushy bake.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a little more heavy cream.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is crucial. Too low, and the cheese won’t melt properly and the dish might be undercooked. Too high, and the cheese will burn before the inside is heated through.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on creamy, cheesy deliciousness, you can add a crunch factor by sprinkling some toasted bread crumbs or crushed croutons on top before baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Use pre-chopped broccoli florets to save even more time.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for potlucks or taking to a neighbor! Consider using a disposable aluminum baking dish with a festive cover or transferring it to a pretty casserole dish for gifting.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Alfredo: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce.
🌟 Bacon Alfredo: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before baking for a smoky, salty kick.
🌟 Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo: Add 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce for a burst of tangy flavor.
🌟 Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy addition.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- Cheese not melting: Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature and bake for a few more minutes.
- Pasta too dry: Add a little pasta water to the sauce to help it bind.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding it to the bake.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the bake and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
- Can I use different pasta? Yes, but fettuccine, penne, or rotini work best.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? No, as it contains wheat pasta. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can try half-and-half or even milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your family, whip up this comforting dish, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness! Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on RateMyRecipes.com! We can’t wait to see your creations!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake: Family Dinner Winner!
A comforting and delicious bake combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese for a perfect family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, remaining cheddar cheese, and olive oil, mixing until the breadcrumbs are coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add some shredded mozzarella cheese on top before baking.
- You can substitute cooked quinoa for rice to make it healthier.