Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

This chicken and broccoli alfredo bake has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need something that pleases everyone at my table while still feeling special enough for a weekend gathering. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli creates a comforting dish that never disappoints.

I first made this recipe when hosting my in-laws for dinner on short notice. The empty dish and their requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know about keeping this in my regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb the creamy flavors beautifully
• Fresh broccoli florets add color, texture and nutrition look for bright green heads with tight florets
• Farfalle or penne pasta holds the sauce perfectly in all those nooks and crannies
• Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for our alfredo sauce use full-fat for best results
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese avoid pre-grated for better melting and authentic flavor
• Minced garlic cloves add aromatic depth fresh is significantly better than jarred here
• Italian seasoning brings herbal notes that elevate the entire dish
• Olive oil helps create a golden crust on the chicken choose a good quality bottle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to exactly 375°F and take time to thoroughly grease your 9×13 baking dish with olive oil making sure to coat the corners to prevent sticking.

Cook The Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking then generously season with salt and pepper before adding to a hot skillet with olive oil. Cook for a full 6-8 minutes until each piece develops a golden brown exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Add Aromatics And Vegetables

Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Then incorporate the broccoli florets and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli brightens in color but maintains some crispness.

Prepare The Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a tablespoon of salt before adding your pasta. Cook until al dente according to package directions usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.

Create The Alfredo Sauce

In a separate saucepan warm the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to steam but not boil. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan until completely melted and smooth then stir in the Italian seasoning.

Combine And Bake

Gently fold together the cooked pasta chicken broccoli mixture and creamy alfredo sauce in your prepared baking dish ensuring every piece is coated. If the mixture seems too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Bake To Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the edges bubble vigorously and the top develops a light golden crust.

Save Pin

The Parmesan cheese is truly the star ingredient here. I once tried to substitute with a pre-grated version and the texture was noticeably grainier. Taking the extra minute to grate fresh Parmesan creates that silky smooth sauce that makes this dish truly special.

Make-Ahead Options

This bake works wonderfully as a prepare-ahead meal. You can assemble everything up to the baking stage cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve simply add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time. The flavors actually develop beautifully during this rest period making it taste even better.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to make this recipe your own by switching up the protein or vegetables. Turkey works beautifully in place of chicken and cauliflower makes an excellent substitute for broccoli. For a seafood version try using chunks of salmon or shrimp reducing their cooking time accordingly. You can also add sundried tomatoes mushrooms or spinach to incorporate more vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This alfredo bake pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal add some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. If serving for a gathering consider offering extra grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side for guests to customize their portions.

Reheating Tips

Leftovers maintain their quality remarkably well. For best results reheat individual portions in the microwave at 70% power covered with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. For larger portions reheat in a 325°F oven covered with foil until warmed through about 15-20 minutes adding a splash of milk if needed to refresh the sauce.

Save Pin

Common Questions

→ Can I prepare this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover with foil and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes since you'll be starting with a cold dish. For best results, wait to add any extra cheese topping until just before baking.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in this dish?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and 2 tablespoons of butter. For a dairy-free alternative, try full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly. Regardless of substitution, you may need to thicken the sauce with 1 tablespoon of flour if using a lower-fat alternative.

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to prevent excess water from diluting the sauce. You may want to reduce the sautéing time slightly as frozen broccoli is partially cooked. For best texture, add the thawed broccoli directly to the pasta mixture rather than sautéing it.

→ How can I add more flavor to this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo?

To enhance flavors, try adding 1/4 cup of white wine when sautéing the garlic, incorporating 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers, using a mixture of cheeses like mozzarella and Gruyère along with the Parmesan, or adding 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme added just before serving also brighten the dish considerably.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this baked pasta dish?

Yes, leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months. Portion into airtight containers after cooling completely. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to refresh the sauce. Individual portions can also be microwaved with a damp paper towel cover to maintain moisture.

→ What sides pair well with Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake?

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread or crusty Italian bread, roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes, or a simple Caesar salad. For wine pairing, try a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce without overwhelming it.