Dreamy Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe For Cozy Nights

Creamy chicken and broccoli baked alfredo nestles comfort directly onto your dinner plate with irresistible Italian-inspired magic.

Weeknight meals never looked so delectable with this simple yet sophisticated casserole.

Pasta lovers will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one gorgeous dish.

Rich parmesan and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Crisp broccoli florets add delightful texture and nutritional balance to each mouthwatering bite.

Cheese sauce blankets every ingredient with smooth, luxurious goodness that feels like a warm culinary hug.

You won’t believe how easily restaurant-quality flavor emerges from such straightforward preparation.

Dive in and savor every delicious forkful of this crowd-pleasing classic.

What Makes Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo So Delicious

• Crafting Comfort Cuisine: Dive into a delightful one-pan chicken and broccoli pasta bake that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
• Speed Through Preparation: Streamline your cooking process with minimal steps and straightforward techniques that make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with protein, vegetables, and creamy sauce, this dish appeals to all ages and satisfies picky eaters with its rich, comforting flavors.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for meal prep, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen table.

All You Need For Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying main component of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich and tangy cheese that adds depth of flavor and creamy texture to the recipe.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta that serves as the foundational base for this creamy casserole.
• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the meal.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy ingredients that create a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with sautéing chicken and vegetables.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile of the dish.

How To Make Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Easily

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Boil salted water and cook fettuccine until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Season and Cook Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Sear chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until fragrant and softened, around 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Create Alfredo Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Remaining seasonings
• Half of the parmesan cheese

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Prepare Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble Baking Dish

• Cooked pasta
• Sautéed chicken
• Steamed broccoli

Pour Alfredo sauce evenly over the top.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese across the surface.

Step 9: Bake and Rest

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until sauce bubbles and cheese turns golden.

Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Helpful Tips For Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Pasta Perfection: Cook fettuccine just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Chicken Searing Secret: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown crust and lock in flavors.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk Alfredo sauce continuously to prevent separation and ensure a silky, creamy texture.
• Broccoli Brightness: Steam broccoli quickly to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the baked dish to rest for 5 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.

Tasty Twists For Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or firm tofu cubes, maintaining the same seasoning technique for rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular fettuccine with brown rice pasta or chickpea noodles, ensuring all ingredients remain naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while preserving the creamy sauce's essence.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream and milk with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and select plant-based butter for a complete dairy-free experience.

What Matches Well With Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Crisp White Wine Selection: Opt for a chardonnay or pinot grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and refresh the palate with its bright, acidic notes.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheesy pasta dish and add a tangy contrast.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the extra Alfredo sauce and provide a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Sparkling Water Refreshment: Choose a lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and add a subtle, refreshing touch.

Best Way To Store Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality.
• Place individual servings in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of milk or cream to restore moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of cream if sauce appears thick.

Answers About Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Is this dish healthy?

While delicious, it’s rich in calories due to heavy cream, butter, and cheese. Consider using low-fat dairy alternatives or reducing portion sizes for a lighter meal.

• Can I use different protein?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for varied protein options that work well with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

• What if I don't have fresh broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to maintain the right texture.

• How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Whisk continuously while preparing the sauce and avoid high heat. Using room temperature cream helps create a smooth, consistent Alfredo sauce.

Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and broccoli baked alfredo delivers creamy pasta perfection straight from Italian-inspired kitchens. Cheesy, herb-infused layers meld with tender chicken and crisp broccoli, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup chopped onions

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine pasta

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing its surface.
2. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Slice chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.
4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes.
5. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Create the creamy Alfredo sauce by whisking together heavy cream, milk, remaining seasonings, and half of the parmesan cheese in the skillet.
7. Steam broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp, roughly 3-4 minutes.
8. Layer cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish, then top with sautéed chicken, steamed broccoli, and pour the entire Alfredo sauce evenly over the top.
9. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese across the surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Steam broccoli just until bright green to maintain its crisp texture and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and less appealing.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that reduces overall calorie content without compromising flavor.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to customize the sauce and introduce additional depth to the classic Alfredo recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg