Description
This Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole featuring tender sautéed chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Pasta
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cube the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: To the same skillet, add the minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
- Cook pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the farfalle or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and bake: In the prepared baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs if preferred for more juiciness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
- Keep a close eye on the bake towards the end to avoid burning the top layer.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but sauce may be less rich.
- Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before baking adds an extra cheesy crust.
