Some meals are just meant to bring people together, and this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is one of them. Picture this: tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and pasta coated in a velvety, homemade Alfredo sauce, baked until bubbling and golden-brown perfection. Doesn’t that sound like a warm hug on a plate?
This dish has everything: creamy, cheesy goodness, protein-packed chicken, and a serving of veggies to make you feel just a little virtuous! Plus, it’s all baked together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup but maximum flavor. Whether you’re prepping it for a busy weeknight, an easy meal prep option, or a cozy dinner party main, this recipe never disappoints.
Recipe Overview
Let’s break down why you’re going to fall head over heels for this dish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly (perfect for cooks of all levels)
- What You’ll Love: It’s cheesy, creamy, and includes veggies—comfort food meets balanced meal!
Why I LOVE This Recipe
Let’s talk Alfredo. Making a creamy Alfredo might feel intimidating at first if you’ve never tried it, but trust me—this recipe is foolproof! And don’t even get me started on the smell of garlic simmering in butter—heavenly.
I first made this dish for a casual dinner with friends, thinking it was going to be a humble one-pot dinner. To my surprise, everyone went crazy for it. Empty plates, requests for seconds, and plenty of “this is the best Alfredo I’ve ever had” later, I knew this recipe was a keeper.
Plus, it’s packed with nutrients. Broccoli adds a fresh pop of goodness, chicken provides lean protein, and the Alfredo sauce brings it all together like the MVP it is. Baking everything means that golden, cheesy topping makes every bite truly irresistible.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
- The Best Moist Vanilla Cake with Strawberry Filling Recipe
- 15 Adorable Spring Cupcakes to Brighten Your Day!
- 15 Fresh and Adorable Spring Appetizers for Your Next Party
- 20 Magical Matcha Drinks to Make at Home
- Irresistibly Fudgy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
What Makes This Dish So Great?
- Easy to make! You’ll whip up a restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce with simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will devour their broccoli when it’s smothered in creamy cheese sauce.
- Effortlessly elegant: Perfect for a special dinner yet easy enough for busy weeknights.
- Minimal dishes: Everything bakes in one dish for maximum flavor with minimal mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is packed with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create magic!
- Chicken breast or thighs (whichever you love—they both work beautifully)
- Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen—you decide!)
- Penne or fettuccine pasta (or any sturdy pasta that can hold up to the creamy sauce)
- Butter (because it’s the base for the Alfredo!)
- Garlic cloves (freshly minced for the BEST flavor)
- Heavy cream (the key to that ultra-creamy sauce)
- Parmesan cheese (use fresh-grated for the ultimate cheesy goodness)
- Mozzarella cheese (for that melty, golden topping)
- Nutmeg (trust me, just a pinch makes the sauce magical)
- Salt & pepper
- Olive oil
Note: Check the recipe card at the bottom for precise measurements and step-by-step details!
How To Make Chicken & Broccoli Baked Alfredo
When I say this recipe is simple, I mean it! Let’s walk through the steps together, and you’ll see how easy (and delicious) this is.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. For frozen broccoli, simply thaw and pat dry.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Sear it in a hot skillet until just golden on the outside (don’t fully cook it yet).
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente (it will keep cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Lower the heat and whisk in the heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Toss the pasta, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce together in your baking dish, spreading everything out evenly.
- Place the seared chicken on top of the pasta, covering it slightly with sauce to keep it moist during baking. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over everything as the golden finishing touch!
- Video Tutorial: Need a visual guide for building your dish? Watch this step-by-step tutorial!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown, the sauce is bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Pro Tips for the Creamiest Baked Alfredo
- Fresh Parmesan Is Key: Pre-shredded cheese can give a grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan melts like a dream into the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Remember, it will absorb sauce while baking! Keep it slightly undercooked during boiling.
- Broccoli Alternatives: Not a fan of broccoli? Feel free to sub in spinach, peas, or even mushrooms.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake just before you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with something fresh and vibrant for balance:
- A crisp green salad: Something lemony and light, like arugula or spinach salad.
- Garlic bread: Because carbs on carbs are a beautiful thing.
- A glass of white wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the creamy Alfredo.
Recipe Variations
There are endless ways to put your own spin on this recipe!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the chicken and load up on extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the Alfredo sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Alfredo sauce can separate after freezing, but if you don’t mind, this dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Recommended Tools for Chicken & Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Large Skillet
- For searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic before making the Alfredo sauce.
- Saucepan
- Ideal for preparing the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Large Pot
- For boiling the pasta. Use one with enough capacity to cook the pasta evenly.
- Baking Dish (9×13)
- Perfect for assembling and baking the dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
- To prepare and chop fresh broccoli florets and chicken.
- Cheese Grater
- Essential for grating fresh Parmesan cheese, which melts smoothly into the Alfredo sauce.
- Whisk
- Ensures a smooth and lump-free Alfredo sauce when combining butter, cream, and Parmesan.
- Mixing Spoons or Tongs
- Great for tossing the pasta, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce together before baking.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- To accurately measure out ingredients like heavy cream, cheese, and spices.
- Aluminum Foil (Optional)
- Use to lightly cover the dish during baking if you’d like to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
- Oven Mitts
- To safely handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
- Vegetable Steamer (Optional)
- If you prefer steaming the broccoli before adding it to the dish.
Bonus Tools for Extra Convenience
- Garlic Press
- Speeds up the process of mincing fresh garlic.
- Colander
- For draining your al dente pasta after cooking.
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Ensures the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C for poultry).
Having these tools on hand will make the preparation smoother and help you achieve the best results for your baked Alfredo dish!
- One Lodge Pre-Seasoned 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Handle Holder
- Assist handle for better control
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
- Health and Safety: The main body of the folding steamer is made of high quality 430 stainless steel, the lifting ring, l…
- Lifting Ring Optimization: The steamer is designed with 304 stainless steel thickening, making it easy to grip and more …
- Additional Accessories: Use 304 stainless steel S-hooks to prevent burning fingers (note: you need to keep the steamer b…
- TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP: The Kanngou Japanese Chef Knife is crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, specifically K…
- MICRO-CONCAVE EDGE, RAZOR SHARP: Our chef knife features an advanced edge technology that delivers an exceptionally shar…
- DURABLE HIGH CARBON STEEL: Made from Japanese alloy steel AUS-8 with a hardness rating of HRC 59±1, this Japanese knife …
Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
Equipment
- Large Skillet For searing chicken and sautéing garlic.
- Saucepan To prepare the Alfredo sauce.
- Large Pot For boiling pasta.
- Baking Dish (9×13) Perfect for assembling and baking.
- Cutting board To chop chicken and broccoli.
- Sharp Knife For precise chopping.
- Whisk To create a smooth Alfredo sauce.
- Cheese grater For grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons To measure ingredients accurately.
- Tongs For tossing pasta and sauce.
Ingredients
Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Dish:
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with salt and pepper
- 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry
- 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- If using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-sized florets. For frozen broccoli, thaw and pat dry.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (slightly firm), as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken until golden brown on both sides. Do not fully cook the chicken, as it will finish baking in the oven.
Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cooked pasta, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce together in a 9×13 baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Place the seared chicken pieces on top of the pasta, partially covering them with sauce to keep them moist while baking.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire dish.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown, the sauce is bubbling, and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F or 74°C internal temperature).
Let Cool and Serve
- Allow the dish to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Video
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of cream or milk to prevent the Alfredo sauce from drying out and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variations: Substitute chicken with shrimp, or replace broccoli with spinach or mushrooms for a twist.
I hope you love this warm, creamy, and cheesy dish as much as I do! It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and is perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out—or to share your favorite twists on the recipe. And if you’re a Pinterest lover, don’t forget to save this recipe for later!
0 Comments