You know those nights when you want a cozy pasta dinner but your brain is basically buffering? That was me when I tested this Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake. I had chicken in the fridge, a jar of Alfredo sauce staring at me like it had big dreams, and broccoli that was about 20 minutes from giving up on life. So I threw everything together, and wow, this recipe came out ridiculously creamy, cheesy, and exactly what I needed after a long day.
What I love about this bake is how simple it is. No fancy steps, no homemade sauce unless you really want to show off, and it pairs with pretty much anything.
If you love cozy, easy dinner recipes make sure to try my Lazy ravioli lasagna baked casserole or my Walking Taco Casserole.
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The ingredients
โข Penne pasta:Choose a short pasta that holds sauce well. Penne or rotini both work.
โข Broccoli florets:Fresh is best, but frozen can be tossed in straight from the freezer.
โข Cooked chicken:Rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover grilled or baked chicken works too.
โข Alfredo sauce:A jarred Alfredo sauce keeps things super fast. Pick a brand with parmesan listed high on the label for better flavor.
โข Milk or water:Thins the Alfredo slightly so it doesn't become too thick while baking.
โข Mozzarella cheese:Half goes inside the bake and half melts beautifully on top.
โข Parsley:For color, brightness, and that final fancy touch.
โข Cooking spray:Keeps your baking dish from sticking.
For the ingredients quantities go to the recipe card below
Steps-by-step Instructions for the Creamy Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake
1. Cook the pasta and broccoli
Boil your pasta in salted water. Add the broccoli during the last two minutes. Drain well.
2. Prep the baking dish
Heat your oven to 375ยฐF. Coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray.
3. Mix everything
Combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and a splash of milk in a bowl.
Stir in half the mozzarella.
4. Assemble the bake
Spread the mixture into your dish.
Top with the remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese melts and gets golden spots.
6. Finish
Rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with parsley.
Serve warm and enjoy the creaminess.
SOPHIE TIPS
โข Let the pasta stay slightly underdone. It finishes cooking in the sauce.
โข If your Alfredo sauce seems super thick, add an extra splash of milk so it spreads easily.
โข Taste the mixture before baking. Add salt, pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder if you want more flavor.
โข Don't skip letting it rest. The sauce thickens just enough and slices nicer.
VARIATIONS
โข Cajun Alfredo Bake
Add Cajun seasoning and sliced andouille sausage.
โข Pesto Alfredo
Stir in two tablespoons of basil pesto with the sauce.
โข Bacon Chicken Alfredo Bake
Crispy bacon bits on top. Need I say more.
โข Veggie-Loaded
Add mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas.
SERVING IDEAS
Serve with:
โข A crisp green salad
โข Garlic bread
โข A warm bowl of my Easy Chicken Soup or Chicken Noodle Soup
โข Roasted veggies for extra color
STORAGE TIPS
โข Fridge: 3 to 4 days in an airtight container
โข Freeze: Up to 3 months. Freeze before baking for best texture.
โข Reheat: Add a splash of milk before microwaving so it stays creamy.
โข Oven reheat: 300ยฐF, covered, 15 to 20 minutes.
FAQ
Why did my Alfredo sauce turn greasy in the oven?
Jarred Alfredo can separates if the pasta is too dry or the sauce is too thick. Add a splash of milk before baking to keep it creamy.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Don't thaw it. Just toss it in with the pasta after draining.
Why does my pasta bake come out dry?
Your pasta may have absorbed all the sauce before baking. Always keep the mixture slightly saucy before putting it in the oven.
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Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- 9x13 baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce 15 oz
- ยฝ cup milk or water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- Cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. During the last two minutes, add the broccoli so it softens slightly. Drain well.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375ยฐF.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and milk. Fold in one cup of mozzarella.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let stand a few minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- If your sauce seems too thick, add a bit more milk before baking.
- You can swap penne for rotini, shells, or ziti.
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe extra fast.
- To reheat leftovers creamier, mix in a splash of milk.
Sophie Viau says
This Alfredo chicken broccoli bake has become a regular around here, especially on those busy nights when something cozy and uncomplicated is exactly whatโs needed. The creamy sauce, the tender broccoli and that cheesy top always disappear fast at my house