ADVERTISEMENT
Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo: A Comforting, Creamy Delight
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that the whole family will love, Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is the answer! This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all baked to perfection for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting.
Whether you’re preparing dinner for a busy weeknight or looking to impress your guests with a delicious homemade meal, this recipe will surely hit the spot. It’s a simple one-pot dish that’s easy to make yet packed with so much flavor.
Why You’ll Love Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of Alfredo sauce with tender chicken and broccoli creates a rich and velvety texture that’s perfect for a filling meal.
- All-in-One Meal: With chicken, broccoli, pasta, and a creamy sauce, you’ve got everything you need in one dish—no need to prepare separate sides.
- Easy to Make: This baked Alfredo dish is incredibly simple to put together. Even if you’re short on time, you can have a delicious homemade meal ready in no time.
- Customizable: You can easily add other ingredients or swap out elements to suit your taste. For example, try adding mushrooms, spinach, or even different types of cheese to make it your own.
Ingredients for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions for Making Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, making sure to leave it slightly al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they’re no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cheeses: Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Combine everything: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce over the top and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the pre
