If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce all layered over perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that makes it an instant family favorite, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together without fuss, so you can enjoy a satisfying dish without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavors and appealing textures of this Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe. From the creamy dairy goodness to the fresh veggies and tender chicken, every item adds a special touch that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
- Cooked chicken breast, diced: Provides lean protein and a satisfying bite with every forkful.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, a slight crunch, and a boost of nutrients.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Serves as the comforting, hearty base that soaks up every bit of sauce.
- Butter: Creates the perfect rich foundation for the Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that awakens your taste buds.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for that luscious, creamy texture.
- Chicken broth: Deepens flavor and adds a savory note to the sauce.
- Milk: Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy without overpowering other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce ultra-rich and indulgent, elevating the bake.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy essence.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty goodness on top with a beautiful golden finish.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the chicken for added flavor and moisture.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the chicken with herbs for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick to wake up the creamy elements.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish with a pop of color.
How to Make Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s perfectly hot by the time your bake is ready to go in. Next, cook your pasta according to the package instructions just until al dente so it remains firm but tender after baking. Drain it well and set aside – this will be the delicious base layer soaking in all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
While your pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets until just tender. This step is important because it keeps the broccoli vibrant and slightly crisp, so it has a fresh bite after baking. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and dull, so keep an eye on it here.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced chicken breast tossed with Italian seasoning. Cooking it until no longer pink ensures juicy, well-seasoned chicken pieces that bring hearty protein to the dish. Once cooked, set the chicken aside while you build the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant (about a minute). Next, sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute to cook out the raw flour taste and create your roux base. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once it starts to thicken up, season with salt, pepper, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth – this sauce is the heart of the bake.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, steamed broccoli, and luscious Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, ensuring each bite promises that perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, tender-crisp broccoli, and pasta.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top – this will melt and brown beautifully, creating that irresistible golden crust. Bake for about 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden, signaling the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Give your bake a few minutes out of the oven to set before serving, which makes portioning much easier. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top to add a lovely pop of green freshness and a burst of aroma that’s simply irresistible.
How to Serve Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is your best friend here – it adds a vibrant, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the bake. You can also add a bit of extra grated Parmesan cheese or a light drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish. If you like a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top amps up the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread can elevate your meal even more. The freshness of salad greens with a light vinaigrette contrasts the creamy texture perfectly, and garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery side to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in cute ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch, or serve with lemon wedges on the side to brighten the dish with a fresh squeeze of citrus. For a rustic vibe, serve right from the baking dish and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain that creamy texture and fresh flavors. When ready to eat, simply reheat and enjoy the comforting goodness again without any fuss.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to plan ahead. After baking and cooling completely, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating leftovers or thawed frozen portions, the oven is your best option to keep the cheese melty and the bake warm throughout. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until steaming hot. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but be sure to cover the dish to prevent drying out and stir halfway through if reheating individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer starting with fresh chicken, cook the diced pieces in the skillet with Italian seasoning as directed until fully cooked. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. This can save a step if you don’t have pre-cooked chicken on hand.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?
Yes! You can swap heavy cream for a combination of milk and a lighter cream cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce fat. Using part-skim mozzarella also cuts calories without sacrificing too much creaminess. Just keep in mind the texture might be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Definitely. Cauliflower florets, asparagus tips, or spinach are great alternatives that pair wonderfully with creamy Alfredo sauce. Just steam them lightly before mixing so they retain their color and texture.
What type of pasta works best in this bake?
Penne and fettuccine are our favorites because their shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully. However, rigatoni, rotini, or even shells would work well too, as they trap the creamy sauce in all the right places.
How can I make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, swap regular dairy for plant-based milk and cream alternatives, like cashew cream or coconut milk, and use vegan cheeses. Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for protein and skip the butter for olive oil. While the flavor will be different, you can still achieve a creamy, comforting dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy satisfaction of making and sharing this Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe. It’s a joy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers that perfect comfort food vibe with every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this bake will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. So grab your ingredients and dive into this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious experience – I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting and creamy casserole combining tender chicken, steamed broccoli, al dente pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden mozzarella cheese topping and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an ideal family dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups broccoli florets
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine suggested)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings & Seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Steam Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until they become just tender but still bright green, then set them aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to combine with the butter and garlic, forming a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to incorporate the seasonings evenly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, steamed broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to evenly coat everything.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of vegetables for variety.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream, but the sauce may be less rich.
- If you prefer, cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional and can be omitted for milder flavor.
