ADVERTISEMENT
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- 🍝 One-pan comfort food – Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection.
- 🥦 Sneaks in veggies – Broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrients.
- 🧀 Extra cheesy – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
- 🍗 Great use for leftover chicken – Rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works great here.
- 🥘 Meal prep & freezer-friendly – Make ahead and reheat for easy dinners.
Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens—about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl (or directly in the baking dish), combine the pasta, broccoli, cooked chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well and spread evenly into the prepared dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- Optional broil: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a golden, bubbly top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
- Swap the broccoli for spinach, peas, or mushrooms if desired.
- Add spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Double it and freeze one casserole for later!
-
ADVERTISEMENT