Description
This Irresistible Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake combines tender sautéed chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich and creamy Parmesan Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. A comforting and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Pasta
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
Sauce & Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cube the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and broccoli florets. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the broccoli becomes bright green and slightly tender.
- Cook pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle or penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, warm the heavy cream. Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and bake: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest sauce and best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness before baking.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus if preferred.
- Ensure chicken is cooked fully before combining to avoid undercooked meat in the bake.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
