Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole
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This Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food! Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and broccoli are baked to perfection with a crispy topping. Easy to make and a guaranteed family favorite.
For the perfect meal, pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A side of roasted veggies or steamed green beans adds a nice balance. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Pasta
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Dish Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and pasta in one dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Comfort Food: Creamy Alfredo sauce and melted cheese make this a comforting, satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors.
I’ve got the perfect recipe for those busy nights: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake. It’s a one-pan wonder combining tender chicken, broccoli, and pasta in creamy Alfredo sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken. Just mix everything together, bake, and you’re done with minimal cleanup. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for hectic weeknights.
This casserole is not only easy but also a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, cheesy goodness will win over both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners. Serve it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Seriously, give this Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole a try – you’ll love it as much as I do!
Ingredient You’ll Need
This broccoli and chicken alfredo casserole is so super simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a good comfort meal.
- Short Pasta: Use sturdy short pasta like penne or rotini to hold up well in the casserole and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Alfredo Sauce: For the best flavor, use a high-quality jarred Alfredo sauce or make your own from scratch if you have the time.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish and enhance the overall flavor.
- Cooked Chicken: Shred or cube leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Broccoli: Cut fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets for even cooking and better integration with the other ingredients.
- Seasonings (Italian, garlic powder, pepper): Adjust the seasonings to taste and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and a creamier texture in the casserole.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top of the casserole before baking for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Pesto Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of pesto into the Alfredo sauce for a fresh, herby twist.
- Lemon Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and some lemon zest to the Alfredo sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
- Preheat: Set the oven to 400°F and spray a 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray.
- Mix: Combine the pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, chicken, and broccoli in the pan. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage and Reheating
Storage: To store your chicken broccoli pasta alfredo bake, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat your casserole in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
If reheating from frozen, you may need to bake for 45-50 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Stir halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your leftovers!
Tips for Success:
Homemade Alfredo Sauce: I like this better with my homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s creamier and more flavorful than store-bought. Simply melt butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking until thickened.
Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken adds a fantastic smoky flavor. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning, then grill until fully cooked. Slice or shred the chicken before adding it to the casserole.
Season to Taste: Always taste your sauce before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra garlic powder or Italian seasoning can go a long way.
Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve.
Recipe FAQs
No, you don’t need to cook the pasta first. It will cook in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing the flavors from the sauce.
No, it’s best to use fresh broccoli for this recipe. Frozen broccoli can release too much water as it cooks, making the casserole watery.
If your casserole is too liquidy, try baking it uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. You can also mix in a bit more pasta to absorb the liquid.
To reheat leftovers without drying them out, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. For individual portions, use the microwave on medium power, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk can help retain moisture.
More Easy Pasta Recipes
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Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta like rotini or penne
- 2½ cups alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken or other chicken that is cooked and chopped
- 2 cups broccoli (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Mist a 9 inch baking pan with non stick spray.
- Stir the pasta, alfredo, chicken broth, chicken, and broccoli in the prepared pan. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the pasta with cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
