Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my ultimate comfort food: chicken broccoli alfredo bake! This dish is the epitome of creamy, cheesy goodness that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. I can’t even count the number of family gatherings where this has been the star of the table. Picture this: a cozy Sunday dinner, laughter filling the air, and the rich aroma of bubbling cheese wafting through the kitchen. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal—delicious, filling, and oh-so-easy to make! Trust me, once you dig into this cheesy masterpiece, you’ll be hooked. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this bake brings everyone together, and you’ll be planning to make it again before the plates are even cleared!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (feel free to use rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen works wonderfully)
- 8 ounces penne pasta (this is my favorite shape for the sauce to cling to!)
- 2 cups alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought, no judgment here!)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that gooey, melty top)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (because more cheese is always better!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds that lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (to bring everything together with a hint of herby goodness)
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Alright, let’s get down to business! Preparing this chicken broccoli alfredo bake is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute you spend in the kitchen. First things first, you’re going to want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that cheese to bubble and turn golden perfection by the time you get to the end of the process. While that’s heating up, go ahead and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes in boiling water. You want it al dente since it’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Drain it and set it aside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and that beautiful penne pasta you just cooked. Give it a good stir!
- Now, pour in the alfredo sauce, sprinkle in the garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s all coated in that creamy goodness.
- Transfer your glorious mixture into a baking dish—don’t forget to spread it out evenly. This will help everything bake uniformly.
- Next, it’s time to top it off! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top. Seriously, don’t hold back on the cheese!
- Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite! You’ve earned it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Loaded with cheesy goodness that makes every bite a delight.
- Versatile—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins with ease.
- One-dish meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
- Comfort food at its finest; it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Tips for Success
To make your chicken broccoli alfredo bake absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, using rotisserie chicken is a total game changer if you’re short on time—it’s already cooked and packed with flavor! Also, don’t be shy with the cheese; feel free to adjust the mozzarella and Parmesan to suit your taste. If you like it extra cheesy (who doesn’t?), add a bit more! Another tip? Pre-cook the broccoli for just a minute or two if you prefer it softer in your bake. And remember, letting it cool for a few minutes before serving helps everything set up nicely. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this chicken broccoli alfredo bake! For a twist, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier spin, swap out the penne pasta for whole wheat or even zucchini noodles! For those who love a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a kick. And if you’re going meatless, you can easily replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your chicken broccoli alfredo bake, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to lock in that cheesy goodness!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) again. Place your portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to help retain moisture, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it; just be cautious not to overheat, as the pasta can get a bit mushy. Enjoy your tasty reheated meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for a serving of this delicious chicken broccoli alfredo bake! Each serving packs about 450 calories, with 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices. But one thing’s for sure—it’s a comforting dish that’s worth every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for alfredo sauce?
If you’re not a fan of store-bought alfredo, you can whip up a quick homemade version using butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, a white cheese sauce works great too!
How do I make this chicken broccoli alfredo bake gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Just use gluten-free penne pasta, and you’re all set. This dish can easily cater to gluten-free diets without losing any of that delightful flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance! Just assemble it up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just bake it as directed.
What proteins can I add besides chicken?
You can mix it up by using cooked shrimp, turkey, or even sausage! Each will add a unique twist to this creamy, cheesy bake.
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken recipe or this creamy pasta dish.
Z nadrukami
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake: 5 Cheesy Comfort Delights
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A creamy and cheesy chicken broccoli alfredo bake.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instrukcje
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked pasta, alfredo sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for easy preparation.
- Adjust cheese quantities to your preference.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: chicken, broccoli, alfredo, bake, pasta
