This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is an easy yet indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a family favorite, and the best part? It’s simple to prepare!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed
- 10 oz broccoli florets
- 14.5 oz Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup milk
- â…“ cup Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray a 12x8x2-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Panko Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Set aside for later.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the rigatoni or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken & Broccoli Mixture:
- Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, stir together cooked pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, broccoli florets, mozzarella cheese, and milk.
- Mix until everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the panko topping is golden brown and the pasta mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Alfredo Bake:
- Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture, but frozen broccoli works well too—just thaw and drain before adding.
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup cream cheese or ½ cup heavy cream to the Alfredo sauce.
- Make it spicy by adding ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
Variations:
- Bacon Lover’s Twist: Add ½ cup crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms and mix them in for extra depth.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers.
This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 😋