When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? If you said Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake, then we are already best friends. Imagine a creamy, cheesy blend of pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all snugly baked together until golden perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you and your loved ones drooling before it even hits the table.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture a family gathering on a chilly evening, laughter filling the air as you serve up generous portions of this hearty delight. With each bite, you’ll relish the rich flavors and the satisfaction that comes from knowing you’ve created something truly special. So grab your apron; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that promises to be both delicious and memorable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is easy to whip up even on busy weeknights
- It’s a creamy dream that offers an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have in your pantry or fridge
Sharing this dish at dinner with friends led to rave reviews and second helpings all around.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts works well; adjust based on how hungry everyone is.
Fresh Broccoli: Bright green florets provide nutrition and crunch; fresh is always best for vibrant color.
Pasta (Farfalle or Penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape; cook until al dente for the perfect texture.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and indulgent; don’t skimp on creaminess here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth of flavor; please don’t use the powdery stuff if you can help it.
Garlic: Fresh cloves bring warmth and flavor; chop finely for maximum impact.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs enhances every layer of flavor beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step, so don’t be shy!
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps with sautéing chicken and veggies while adding healthy fats.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish, about 9×13 inches should do nicely. Drizzle some olive oil into the dish so nothing sticks later.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes—until they are no longer pink inside.
Add Garlic & Broccoli: Toss minced garlic into the skillet along with broccoli florets. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until broccoli turns bright green and garlic becomes fragrant.
Mix Pasta & Sauce Ingredients Together: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve some pasta water for later if needed.
Create That Creamy Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream with grated Parmesan cheese over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth—add Italian seasoning for extra zest.
Combine Everything in One Dish!: In your prepared baking dish, mix cooked pasta with sautéed chicken and broccoli. Pour creamy sauce over everything, ensuring nothing gets left out! Mix gently until evenly coated.
Bake Until Golden & Bubbly!: Pop that beauty into your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly hot and slightly golden on top. The aroma will be heavenly!
And there you have it! Your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is ready to impress everyone at the dinner table! Enjoy every flavorful bite while soaking up those satisfied smiles around you!
You Must Know
- This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting dish that combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and crunchy broccoli
- The blend of flavors creates a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- Enjoy this meal for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by searing the chicken, then cook the pasta while you prepare the creamy Alfredo sauce. This sequence ensures everything comes together smoothly, and your kitchen doesn’t look like a battleground when dinner is served.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different vegetables like spinach or carrots for a colorful twist. You can also experiment with spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping that creamy texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh chicken breasts for juicy results and avoid overcooking them during searing
- Keeping the broccoli slightly crunchy adds texture and visual appeal to your bake
- Lastly, make sure to let your dish rest before serving; it helps meld flavors beautifully
One time I made this dish for a potluck, and my friends devoured it! They even asked for seconds, which made my heart swell with joy.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli; just thaw and drain excess water before adding.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or use a plant-based cream alternative if preferred.
How long does Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake last in the fridge?
This dish keeps well in the fridge for three days when stored properly.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake! This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, each bite is a delightful explosion of rich flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and broccoli to the skillet; sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions; drain but reserve some pasta water.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and stir in Parmesan until melted; add Italian seasoning.
- Combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and creamy sauce in the baking dish; mix until well coated.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg