Ingredients
Before you start, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy bake. Having everything ready to go will make your cooking process much smoother.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): About 3-4 breasts, depending on their size. You’ll need these cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets work best, and you’ll need about 3 cups. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available.
- Alfredo Sauce: You can use store-bought or make your own. The homemade version will add an extra touch of flavor, but either works perfectly.
- Pasta: Most people prefer using penne or rigatoni, but any type of short pasta will work.
- Cheese: A mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella gives that stretchy, gooey texture, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, adding an aromatic depth to your sauce.
- Olive Oil or Butter: To sauté your garlic and add richness to the dish.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
With all these ingredients in place, you’re almost ready to begin. The combination of these simple ingredients is what creates the magic, turning this dish into a family favorite.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, you’ll want to cook your chicken. There are a few ways to do this. You can pan-sear the chicken breasts in a little olive oil or butter until they’re golden and cooked through, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside to cool slightly before cutting it into cubes or strips, depending on your preference. The chicken needs to be tender and juicy, so don’t overcook it!
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
While the chicken is cooking, you can prep your broccoli. Steam the broccoli florets until they’re bright green and tender, which should take about 4-5 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid extra moisture. Once it’s cooked, set the broccoli aside.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
The key to a delicious Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the creamy Alfredo sauce. To make it from scratch, melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then, add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce over medium heat until it thickens and becomes smooth. For added depth of flavor, you can also add a touch of nutmeg or Italian seasoning.
If you prefer convenience, feel free to use store-bought Alfredo sauce. The pre-made versions are pretty tasty and work well for this recipe. Just heat it up before combining with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce is coming together, boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will bake further in the oven, and you don’t want it too soft.
Once the pasta is done, drain it, but save a little pasta water (about a cup) in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to put everything together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Make sure everything is coated evenly. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water or a little extra cream to loosen it up.
Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Serve
Once your Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes. This allows everything to set and makes it easier to serve. Then, dig in and enjoy the creamy goodness of this irresistible dish!
Conclusion: A Meal That Everyone Will Love
The Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a dish. It’s easy to make, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet family meal, this bake is sure to be a hit. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it on repeat!
So, the next time you need a go-to dinner that’s both simple and indulgent, give this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake a try. You’ll be glad you did!
