Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced or shredded
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or any shape that holds sauce well)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for sautéing chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Cook diced chicken breast in a skillet with olive oil or butter, seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder, until cooked through and slightly golden. Meanwhile, steam or blanch the fresh broccoli florets until tender-crisp, preserving their bright green color.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients with Alfredo Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently stir together the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked pasta, and Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow the bake to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing and flavor melding.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for better texture and flavor compared to frozen.
- Undercook pasta slightly during boiling to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Adjust salt and pepper gradually since Alfredo sauce can be quite rich.
- Let the dish rest after baking to improve slicing and flavor.
- Layering cheese both inside and on top creates a gooey, melty texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli Alfredo bake, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli bake, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free casserole