Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
When I think about cozy family dinners, baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli always comes to mind. Picture this: a comforting dish filled with creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. It’s a dish that pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread on the side. Just add some chilled sparkling water or a light white wine, and you’ve got yourself a feast that feels both special and homey. This recipe is not just about filling bellies; it's about gathering around the table, sharing laughter, and enjoying every last bite.
Baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli is a creamy, comforting dish that blends pasta, chicken, and vegetables under a blanket of rich Alfredo sauce and gooey cheese. If you've been craving a cozy dinner that doesn’t take forever to prepare, look no further. I’ve made this dish countless times for my family and friends, constantly tweaking and perfecting it. With the right balance of flavors and textures, I can assure you this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
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This dish marries penne pasta, tender chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The chicken adds protein, while the broccoli brings color and nutrition. It's baked until bubbly and golden, creating a comforting, cheesy meal that will leave you feeling satisfied. Best of all, it’s an easy one-dish recipe, simplifying cleanup and letting you focus on what matters most: enjoying time with loved ones.
The flavors in this baked chicken Alfredo shine through thanks to the combination of high-quality ingredients. The creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully coats the pasta, and with added seasonings, each bite is a burst of flavor. The rotisserie chicken simplifies the preparation while delivering that savory goodness we all love. Broccoli not only adds a nutritious element but also a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce. Oh, and let's not forget the melted mozzarella topping that creates that delightful cheesy stretch with every spoonful!
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used penne, but any short pasta will do)
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded or chopped for ease)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh is best, but frozen works too)
- 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce (look for a quality brand)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (because more cheese is always better)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for that sharp, delicious bite)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (to season the sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (an extra boost of flavor)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Now, let’s get our hands dirty and dive into the cooking process! It’s simpler than you might think.
First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Don’t forget to adjust the oven rack to the top third position—this will help the dish bake evenly while allowing for some browning on the top.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once it's bubbling away, add in your pasta. Cook the pasta for one minute less than the box instructions indicate—this keeps it from getting mushy in the oven. Two minutes before the pasta is done, toss in those lovely broccoli florets. They’ll cook just enough to be tender without losing their vibrant color. Drain everything and transfer it to a 9×13 casserole dish.
In the same casserole dish, mix in your shredded rotisserie chicken, Alfredo sauce, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until well combined. This is where you want to get your hands in there—don’t be shy!
Spread the mixture into an even layer—this helps it cook uniformly. Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top. This layer will melt and create that irresistible gooeyness that everyone loves.
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s hot and bubbly. If you want that golden-brown cheese top (and who doesn’t?), set the oven to broil for the last few minutes—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn too dark!
Once the cheesy goodness is ready, remove it from the oven. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it immediately, and watch how quickly it disappears!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken adds flavor and saves time.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, we want it to be slightly firm to hold up when baked.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh broccoli for better texture and flavor. Frozen can be a fallback, but fresh is always ideal.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding a sprinkle of smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar to change the flavor profile.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in seconds, especially under the broiler.
Leftovers? No problem! Let the baked chicken Alfredo cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it should stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy again, you can reheat it in the microwave or in a covered baking dish in the oven until it’s heated through.
A serving of this baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli is not only comfort food but also a balanced meal. Each portion has around 400 calories, making it a satisfying option that fills you up while providing protein from chicken and nutrients from broccoli. With the right choices, this dish can fit into a well-rounded diet without compromising on taste.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Pair with Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is a perfect vehicle for scooping up cheesy goodness.
- Add Some Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with roasted carrots or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Finish with a Sprinkle of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors and adds a lovely zing.
- Pasta Alternatives:Use gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions or want a lighter option.
- Chicken Alternatives:Substitute cooked turkey or grilled shrimp for a different protein option.
- Sauce Alternatives:Make your own Alfredo sauce using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese if you want complete control over the ingredients.
- Broccoli Alternatives:Try steamed spinach or peas for a change in flavor while keeping the nutrition boost.
- Cheese Alternatives:Utilize a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version without sacrificing taste.
Baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli is a straightforward yet impressive dish that ticks all the boxes: creamy, comforting, and satisfying. With its ease of preparation and the chance to customize it based on your family’s taste preferences, it’s no wonder this recipe finds its way back to our dinner table time and time again. So grab your apron, head into the kitchen, and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that feels restaurant-quality without the fuss. Happy cooking!
Baked chicken Alfredo with broccoli is a creamy, comforting dish that blends pasta, chicken, and vegetables under a blanket of rich Alfredo sauce and gooey cheese. If you've been craving a cozy dinner that doesn’t take forever to prepare, look no further. I’ve made this dish countless times for my family and friends, constantly tweaking and perfecting it. With the right balance of flavors and textures, I can assure you this recipe will become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Servings 6
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, rotisserie chicken adds flavor and saves time.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, we want it to be slightly firm to hold up when baked.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh broccoli for better texture and flavor. Frozen can be a fallback, but fresh is always ideal.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try adding a sprinkle of smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar to change the flavor profile.
- Keep an Eye on the Oven: Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt in seconds, especially under the broiler.
Mary Siegel is a registered dietitian from Texas and the heart behind Easy Meal Recipe, a blog dedicated to making healthy cooking simple and enjoyable. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Houston, she shares easy, flavorful recipes designed for busy lives. Growing up surrounded by family and food, she now blends her love of comfort food with a focus on balanced nutrition. Outside the kitchen, Mary loves exploring farmers' markets and spending time with her family in the Texas outdoors.