Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic. I’ve been making this casserole for family gatherings since my kids were little, and it never fails to bring everyone back for seconds.
Growing up, my grandmother made a similar baked chicken dish every Sunday after church. She’d layer tender chicken pieces with whatever vegetables were fresh from her garden, then smother everything in a creamy sauce and bake it until bubbly. The whole farmhouse would fill with the most incredible aroma as it cooked. I remember sitting at her kitchen table, waiting impatiently while she pulled that bubbling casserole from the oven. This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake carries on that tradition, bringing together juicy chicken breast, bright green broccoli, and pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce that gets all golden and bubbly in the oven. Your kitchen’s about to smell incredible.
What Makes This Alfredo Bake So Special
Casseroles have always been my go-to for feeding a crowd or making dinner feel special without spending hours in the kitchen. This chicken and broccoli version combines everything my family loves in one satisfying dish.
- Comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for family gatherings when you need to feed a crowd
- Uses straightforward ingredients and simple preparation steps
- Packs protein and vegetables into one complete meal
- Creates a kid-friendly dinner that even picky eaters enjoy
- Delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in every single bite
Key Players in This Recipe
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein that stays tender and juicy when cooked properly. I always choose breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly in the skillet.
Fresh broccoli florets add vibrant color, nutrition, and a slight vegetal bite that balances the rich Alfredo sauce. In my kitchen, I prefer using fresh broccoli for the best texture, though frozen works when you’re in a pinch.
Penne or rotini pasta creates the hearty base of this casserole, and these shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. The ridges and tubes catch every bit of that delicious Alfredo coating.
Alfredo sauce brings that signature creamy, garlicky richness to the dish. Store-bought sauce works perfectly for busy weeknights, though homemade adds an extra special touch when you have time.
Shredded Parmesan cheese tops the casserole with a golden, bubbly crust that everyone fights over. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes more flavorful than pre-shredded varieties.
Garlic powder adds savory depth to the chicken seasoning without the need for chopping fresh garlic. This pantry staple builds flavor quickly and distributes evenly.
Olive oil helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust on the chicken while preventing sticking. Just a drizzle is all you need to get that perfect sear.
From Start to Finish
Step 1. Betty always starts by preheating the oven to 375°F so it’s ready when you need it. This ensures even baking from the moment the casserole goes in.
Step 2. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. I’ve found that patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve better browning.
Step 3. Remove the cooked chicken from heat and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Through trial and error, I learned that uniform pieces ensure every bite has the perfect chicken-to-sauce ratio.
Step 4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
Step 5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cut chicken, and Alfredo sauce until everything is well combined. The key I discovered is making sure every piece gets coated.
Step 6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. My family prefers when I use a 9×13 inch dish for the perfect casserole depth.
Step 7. Top the casserole with shredded Parmesan cheese, creating an even layer that will turn golden and bubbly. This cheese topping makes all the difference in both flavor and texture.
Step 8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The edges should be bubbling and the cheese should have a beautiful golden color.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making this great for meal prep.
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in aluminum foil and then plastic wrap, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For the best texture, I reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, though the pasta won’t be quite as creamy. Heat on medium power in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Building the Perfect Plate
Garlic bread is absolutely essential for soaking up every bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce. The crispy, buttery slices turn this into a complete Italian-inspired feast.
Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. The bright, tangy dressing cuts through the cream beautifully.
Roasted vegetables add even more nutrition and color to your dinner plate. Try roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
Chicken sausage broccoli orzo offers similar flavors if you want to try a stovetop version with different pasta shapes.
Mozzarella chicken skillet provides another creamy chicken and cheese option for your weeknight dinner rotation.
Creamy chicken enchilada soup makes a great starter course if you’re planning a larger family dinner or special occasion.
FAQs
I recommend thawing and draining frozen broccoli thoroughly before using it in this recipe. Fresh broccoli provides better texture, but frozen works in a pinch.
To prevent this issue, don’t overcook the chicken in the skillet since it will continue cooking in the oven. Remove it when it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Many home cooks find success assembling the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time since it starts cold.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and cook seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown, 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from heat and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil salted water in a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cut chicken, and Alfredo sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
