Description
This comforting Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake combines tender cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and al dente penne pasta tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Topped with melty mozzarella and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is perfect for a family dinner that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 4 cups cooked penne pasta (about 8 ounces dry)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Add broccoli florets during the last 2 minutes to blanch them. Drain both well to avoid sogginess.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and stir well to evenly coat all components.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the combined mixture evenly inside.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a delicious, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bake is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has turned a golden brown.
- Broil for Extra Color (Optional): For a more browned and crispy top, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use cooked shredded chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Broccoli can be steamed or blanched to retain a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to the saltiness of your Alfredo sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked when ready, making it ideal for meal prepping.
