Name: Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti or penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups heavy cream; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the kind of dinner that brings comfort to the table with every bite. Golden baked pasta is hugged in a rich Alfredo sauce, studded with juicy chicken chunks and vibrant green broccoli florets. It’s the perfect mix of indulgence and nourishment, all baked to bubbly perfection.

This dish is your go-to when you need a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug. It’s ideal for families, easy enough to whip up on a busy night, and fancy enough to serve when guests drop by. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this will quickly become one of your top dinner ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

This bake is everything you want in a cozy meal: tender pasta, flavorful chicken, a luscious Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese throughout. It offers a great way to sneak in vegetables while still feeling indulgent. The broccoli adds a pop of color and a bit of crunch, perfectly balancing the creamy textures.

Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that feeds a crowd, reheats beautifully, and fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. It ticks all the boxes of a well-rounded, delicious meal.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice because they cook quickly and shred or cube easily. However, if you want even more flavor, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? That works beautifully, too, and cuts down prep time.

Ingredients for the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavor and texture for this hearty dish:

Pasta (Ziti or Penne): These tube-shaped pastas hold the sauce well and bake beautifully.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Provides lean protein and a savory base.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds nutrition, color, and a satisfying bite.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce.
Butter: Helps form the base of the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish to the Alfredo.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to a golden, bubbly layer on top.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that tie everything together.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the chicken or coat the pasta for added richness.

How To Make the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions. During the last 2-3 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta to blanch them. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble

In a large bowl, mix the pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and half the mozzarella. Stir until well combined.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

This bake serves approximately 6 people generously, making it a perfect family-sized meal or meal prep option. Serve it straight from the oven for maximum creaminess and comfort.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and cover it tightly. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?

Garlic Bread

The crispy, buttery slices are perfect for scooping up every bit of that creamy Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

A refreshing Caesar salad cuts through the richness with its tangy dressing and crisp romaine.

Roasted Veggies

Carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus make a nutritious, colorful side that complements the dish well.

Italian Bruschetta

Adds a fresh and zesty contrast with chopped tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.

A Glass of White Wine

Something like a chilled Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with creamy pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing into the pasta. Too much moisture can water down the sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Absolutely. You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Use less cheese or opt for part-skim mozzarella to cut back on fat.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Prepare the bake fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What type of cheese works best on top?
Mozzarella gives you that classic melty top, but you can mix in some cheddar or provolone for extra flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating, cover with foil, and warm it in the oven at 350°F. This keeps it creamy and fresh.

For more cozy pasta inspiration, don’t miss our Baked Ziti with Sausage and Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta!

Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Craving something rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying? This Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for an easy dinner, cozy family meal, or a quick way to use leftover chicken. Featuring tender pasta, juicy chicken breast, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, it’s a well-balanced crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re searching for easy recipe ideas, dinner inspiration, or indulgent pasta dishes, this bake delivers big flavor in every forkful. It’s also great for meal prep, lunch leftovers, or impressing guests without fuss.

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Add broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook cubed chicken with salt and pepper until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and half the mozzarella. Mix well.

5. Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.

6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.