Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

Picture yourself gathering around the table with friends or family, a bubbling pan fresh from the oven, golden cheese stretching between each serving — that’s the heartwarming promise of Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo. This creamy, cheesy bake is deeply satisfying yet fresh, thanks to pops of vibrant broccoli and juicy chicken nestled in rich Parmesan Alfredo sauce. The result? A comfort food classic that feels both decadently special and delightfully easy, perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is purposefully chosen — nothing fussy, just kitchen staples working together to deliver that irresistible balance of rich, creamy, savory, and fresh. Here’s how each piece fits into your new favorite pasta bake:

• Chicken breasts: Diced chicken adds lean, tender protein that soaks up all those lovely Alfredo flavors.
• Broccoli florets: Their bright green color and slight crunch perfectly offset the dish’s creaminess.
• Olive oil: For searing the chicken to juicy perfection and giving broccoli a gorgeous, glistening finish.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that let all the other flavors truly sing.
• Unsalted butter: The foundation of classic Alfredo, adding rich depth to the sauce.
• Garlic: Just two cloves punch up the aroma and flavor — a must in any Alfredo creation.
• Heavy cream: For a luxuriously silky, decadent sauce that hugs every element in the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The real powerhouse of flavor, bringing nutty, salty intensity to the Alfredo.
• Nutmeg (optional): A pinch adds warmth and a subtle complexity to the creamy sauce.
• Fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape! Al dente pasta is sturdy enough to catch every bit of sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella: Melts into a gooey, bubbly top layer for classic baked pasta appeal.
• Breadcrumbs (optional): For those who love a hint of crunch atop their cheesy bakes.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This quick prep step ensures nothing sticks, and gets your oven perfectly hot so that everything bakes up bubbly and golden. While the oven warms, set out your ingredients so you can cook at a relaxed pace; you’ll thank yourself later!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your diced chicken generously with salt and pepper first, then sauté until it’s browned and just cooked through. While that’s happening, blanch your broccoli florets in boiling water for two to three minutes, just until they’re vibrantly green and crisp-tender. Drain them immediately and set aside — this ensures they won’t turn mushy in the oven, but will still blend smoothly into your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Nothing beats homemade Alfredo! In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer — patience is key for the smoothest sauce. Lower the heat, whisk in the Parmesan (and a pinch of nutmeg, if you like), then season with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until you get a thick, lusciously creamy Alfredo sauce that smells absolutely amazing.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now comes the fun part: assembly. Combine your cooked pasta, tender chicken, bright broccoli, and every last drop of the Alfredo sauce in a big bowl or right in the baking dish. Toss everything gently so the sauce coats every nook and cranny. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared dish and sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top. For an extra hint of crunch, add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before it hits the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get gorgeously golden and the edges to bubble — that’s your cue to pull it out. The aroma filling your kitchen is a reward in itself, but nothing compares to scooping up that first creamy, cheesy bite of Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving. This small touch brightens up the entire dish and adds a pop of color that makes your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo truly irresistible on the table.

How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a subtle, herby freshness that cuts through the rich Alfredo. For extra indulgence, finish with another dusting of Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving. Cracked black pepper is a classic finishing touch, too.

Side Dishes

This creamy bake is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling bright and balanced. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia are always welcome, soaking up any leftover Alfredo sauce and rounding out this comfort food feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to make weeknight dinner feel special, try serving Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. Or, divide the bake between small oven-safe dishes for personalized servings. For a playful twist, serve the creamy bake over a bed of spiralized zucchini or try sprinkling toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo keeps incredibly well in the fridge. Simply cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making for some truly rewarding lunches or no-fuss dinners the next day.

Freezing

This dish is a dream to stash away for later. Assemble everything up to the baking point, cover well, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen (add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the bake time) or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The cream sauce stays velvety and the broccoli retains its color and texture — truly a freezer-friendly win.

Reheating

To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. For individual servings, the microwave works perfectly — just heat in 45-second bursts, stirring between, until hot and creamy. A splash of milk or cream helps maintain that beloved Alfredo silkiness.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just shred or dice the meat and stir it in during the assembly step. The cooked chicken will soak up the Alfredo sauce beautifully and infuse your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo with even more savory flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you like a crunchy topping. The Alfredo sauce and other components are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily make Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo for everyone at the table.

How can I add more vegetables?

Feel free to get creative! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or roasted bell peppers can be added along with the broccoli. Make sure to pre-cook these veggies so they blend seamlessly into your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo.

What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, provolone or fontina are great alternatives — both melt beautifully and add a deliciously cheesy finish. A sprinkle of sharp cheddar can also bring a whole new twist to your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the sauce?

Using whole milk is possible if you want to lighten things up, though keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less rich and creamy. For the best classic Alfredo texture in your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo, heavy cream is the gold standard.

Final Thoughts

Few things feel as rewarding as pulling this creamy, comforting Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo from the oven and seeing everyone dive in with enthusiasm. Whether it’s a special dinner or a simple weeknight meal, I promise this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite. Give it a try — and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new family favorite!

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