EASY CHICKEN BROCCOLI ALFREDO BAKE

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, where creamy Alfredo sauce meets tender chicken and vibrant broccoli in a bubbly, cheesy embrace? This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake delivers that perfect combination of flavors and textures, transforming simple ingredients into a family-favorite meal that will have everyone asking for seconds; so get ready to experience a weeknight dinner victory!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

For the Pasta and Assembly:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Roast the Broccoli

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.

Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet you cooked the chicken (or a clean skillet), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!).
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
5. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, roasted broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
2. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 6: Bake!

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
2. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bake

Broccoli Bliss:

Don’t overcook the broccoli! Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and prevents it from becoming mushy in the bake. If you prefer steamed broccoli, you can steam it lightly instead of roasting, but make sure to drain it well.

Chicken Choices:

While chicken breasts are the go-to, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut!

Sauce Savvy:

If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. For an even richer sauce, try using a combination of Parmesan and Romano cheese.

Pasta Perfection:

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake. Penne and rotini are great choices because their ridges hold the sauce well. However, you could also try Chicken Scampi Pasta using a longer noodle.

Cheese, Please!:

Don’t be shy with the cheese! A generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is what makes this bake so irresistible. For a different flavor profile, try adding a sprinkle of provolone or Gruyere cheese.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Spice It Up:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little heat. You could even try making a Cajun Chicken Alfredo Orzo by using cajun seasoning on the chicken.

Veggie Power:

Add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the bake for extra nutrients and flavor.

Bacon Bonanza:

Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, savory element to this dish. Sprinkle them on top before baking or mix them into the pasta mixture.

Creamy Dreamy:

For an extra creamy sauce, add a block of cream cheese or some Boursin cheese like in this Boursin Chicken Pasta to the alfredo while it is cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weekend gathering.

Make-Ahead Magic

You can assemble this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. Or, you can try a Chicken Broccoli Orzo that may be a bit easier to prepare.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to get your veggies in, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to your liking. This dish is also similar to the Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake, if you’re looking for other similar recipes. What’s not to love?

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this delicious and comforting Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! Enjoy!