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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting casserole that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and creamy Alfredo sauce with pasta, baked to a golden bubbly perfection. This wholesome dish balances indulgent flavors with nutritious ingredients, making it an ideal choice for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed

Vegetables

  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Pasta

  • 3 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta

Alfredo Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken and broccoli: Cook the chicken breasts thoroughly by grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Steam or blanch broccoli florets until just tender and vibrant green, ensuring they maintain a pleasant bite.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain carefully to prevent overcooking since the pasta will bake further in the oven.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and let it simmer gently. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  4. Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly undercooked to avoid mushiness after baking.
  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese grated from a block for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Steam broccoli just until crisp-tender to keep a nice texture and bright color.
  • Season each component lightly to develop layers of flavor before combining.
  • Allow the bake to rest a few minutes after baking for easier serving and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, creamy chicken casserole, baked pasta with Alfredo, comforting dinner, family-friendly meal

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/chicken-broccoli-alfredo-bake/