Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is the ultimate cozy, family-friendly dinner. This hearty baked pasta dish is loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Finished with bubbly melted cheese, it’s a satisfying, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta & broccoli)
- Skillet (for cooking chicken)
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl or large spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken. Can also pan-fry 2 chicken breasts, season, and dice.
- Broccoli: Blanch in boiling water for just 2–3 minutes to keep it crisp-tender.
- Alfredo sauce: Store-bought works, but homemade adds freshness (cream, butter, garlic, parmesan).
- Pasta: Cook just al dente, since it will continue baking.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts well; add extra Parmesan for deeper flavor.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. In the last 2–3 minutes, add broccoli to the pot. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken if not already cooked: Season, sauté until golden and cooked through, then dice.
- In a large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder (if using), and half the mozzarella cheese. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. For extra browning, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: ~700mg
(Will vary based on sauce and cheese brands used.)
💡 Tips & Variations
- Low-carb version: Swap pasta for cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance; cover and refrigerate. Add 5–10 extra minutes to baking time.
- Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce Idea:
- 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 garlic clove minced, ¾ cup grated Parmesan — simmer until thickened.
- Protein swap: Use cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
