Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe For Dinner

Culinary magic happens when chicken and broccoli baked alfredo lands on your dinner table, promising a creamy comfort that melts away evening stress.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet luxurious dish combining tender protein and vibrant vegetables.

Cheese lovers understand the universal appeal of a rich, bubbling casserole straight from the oven.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation techniques.

Nutritious green florets add a delightful crunch against silky sauce and succulent chicken pieces.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Warm, inviting, and satisfying – you’ll want to make this recipe part of your regular rotation.

Why Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Is Rich And Satisfying

• Quick Family Pleaser: Packed with kid-friendly ingredients like cheesy sauce and tender chicken that will make everyone at the table smile and ask for seconds.
• Minimal Cooking Steps: Requires simple searing, sauce making, and baking techniques that even novice cooks can master without feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
• One-Pan Wonder: Transforms multiple ingredients into a complete meal using just a skillet and baking dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after cooking.
• Customizable Cuisine: Allows easy ingredient swaps like different vegetables or proteins, making it adaptable for various dietary preferences and pantry availability.

What Goes In Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides a hearty protein base for the baked pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and flavorful sauce with melting qualities.

• Fettuccine: Classic pasta that serves as the foundation of the baked casserole.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Dairy components that form the smooth and luxurious base of the Alfredo sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce texture.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and greasing the baking dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How To Prepare Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set the oven to 375°F and grab a large baking dish. Lightly coat the dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Create a flavor blast by seasoning chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg. Heat a skillet with olive oil and sear the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior, cooking about 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Transfer the chicken from the skillet and slice it into bite-sized pieces. The chicken should be partially cooked at this point.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook fettuccine until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Create Garlic Base

In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, which takes about 1 minute.

Step 6: Craft the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Whisk continuously to create a silky smooth sauce base.

Step 7: Add Cheese Magic

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the sauce transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.

Step 8: Layer the Dish

• Cooked pasta
• Sliced chicken
• Fresh broccoli florets

Step 9: Sauce It Up

Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli, making sure everything gets a delicious coating.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 11: Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Smart Cooking Tips For Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Perfectly Sear Chicken: Brown chicken evenly in hot skillet to lock in flavors and create delicious golden crust.
• Create Silky Sauce: Whisk cream and milk slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety Alfredo base.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously for a luxurious, creamy texture without separation.
• Broccoli Blanching Tip: Use fresh broccoli florets for maximum nutrition and crisp-tender texture in the baked dish.
• Resting Magic: Allow casserole to rest after baking to let flavors meld and sauce set for easier serving.

Ways To Change Up Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace fettuccine with roasted cauliflower rice, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy Alfredo flavor while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or baked tofu cubes, offering a plant-based alternative that complements the rich cheese sauce.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese, producing a lighter sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the dish's creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Adaptation: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to introduce a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the traditional Alfredo bake.

Good Pairings For Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Garden Salad Partner: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta dish and add refreshing crispness to each bite.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up extra Alfredo sauce and provide a delightful crunchy texture contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetable Accent: Add a side of roasted asparagus or zucchini with olive oil and herbs to introduce a slightly charred, nutritious element that enhances the overall meal experience.

How To Keep Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid, heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread pasta in baking dish, add splash of milk or cream to restore moisture. Cover with foil, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs About Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this baked chicken Alfredo ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine works best, you can substitute with other pasta like penne, rigatoni, or linguine that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Keep whisking the sauce continuously and add a small amount of pasta water if it starts to thicken too quickly. This helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.

• What if I want to make this dish lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses to create a lighter version of the classic Alfredo bake.

Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli baked alfredo delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. Cheesy pasta layers promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1 lb broccoli florets
• 16 oz fettuccine pasta

Dairy and Sauce:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp butter

Seasonings and Extras:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are partially cooked.
4. Cook fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-9 minutes, then drain and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
6. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth base for the Alfredo sauce.
7. Gradually incorporate grated parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
8. Layer the cooked pasta in the prepared baking dish, followed by the sliced chicken and fresh broccoli florets.
9. Pour the creamy Alfredo sauce evenly over the pasta, chicken, and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top and bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is sliced uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use fresh broccoli florets for maximum crunch and vibrant green color, avoiding frozen vegetables which can become soggy.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content without compromising flavor.
• Create a gluten-free option by replacing traditional fettuccine with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives, maintaining the creamy Alfredo experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 850
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 76 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 51 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg