Description
This Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a creamy, comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner. Featuring tender cooked chicken, al dente penne pasta, and fresh broccoli florets blended in a rich Alfredo sauce, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. This easy-to-make, hearty dish combines simple ingredients to create a delicious, cheesy meal everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 4 cups cooked penne pasta (about 8 ounces dry)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. During the last two minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked penne pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, then mix everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside it, ensuring a uniform layer for even cooking.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Optional Broil for Browning: For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Steaming or blanching broccoli until just tender ensures it stays bright green and crisp.
- Use store-bought Alfredo sauce for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheese and Alfredo sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
