Chicken Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

The Best Chicken Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Creamy chicken broccoli baked alfredo brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Pasta lovers adore this classic combination that blends tender chicken and vibrant green florets.

Melted cheese creates a rich sauce coating every delicious bite.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal anyone can master.

Weeknight cooking becomes something special when you craft this hearty dish.

Hearty portions guarantee smiles around the table and satisfied appetites.

Savor each comforting spoonful and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo—A Cozy Casserole

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up a delicious meal with minimal cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Nutrient-Packed One-Dish Wonder: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled broccoli, and comforting pasta in a single baking dish, delivering a balanced and wholesome meal that keeps everyone happy.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Comfort: The golden, bubbly mozzarella and Parmesan cheese topping creates an irresistible layer of gooey goodness that transforms this dish into a crowd-favorite comfort food for all ages.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Main Ingredients:
  • Rigatoni Pasta: A hearty tubular pasta that catches sauce and provides a substantial base for the dish.
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds a satisfying and filling element to the baked Alfredo.
  • Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that brings a fresh and slightly crunchy texture to the casserole.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, bubbly topping and add rich, creamy flavor to the dish.
Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that binds all the ingredients together with a luxurious texture.
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and broccoli bake.

How to Prepare Baked Chicken Alfredo With Broccoli

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting it ready for a delicious culinary adventure.

Step 2: Boil Pasta To Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in some salt.

Toss in rigatoni and cook until just shy of the package instructions for that al dente magic.

Step 3: Broccoli Boost

Toss those green florets into the boiling pasta during the last 3 minutes of cooking, letting them get tender and bright.

Step 4: Drain And Prep

Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli, then slide them into a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Mix And Mingle

Bring the flavors together by adding:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Alfredo sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Stir everything until well combined, creating a creamy, dreamy base.

Step 6: Cheese Cascade

Sprinkle a generous layer of:
  • Mozzarella
  • Parmesan

Spread the cheesy goodness evenly across the top of the dish.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered.

Watch for that gorgeous golden, bubbly cheese top – it’ll take about 25 minutes.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the dish chill for a few minutes after baking.

This allows the flavors to get cozy and meld together, creating a truly irresistible meal.

Tips for Creamy Alfredo and Crisp Broccoli

  • Slightly undercook rigatoni to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture when the dish is finished.
  • Steam broccoli with the pasta to retain nutrients and avoid overcooking, keeping the florets crisp and vibrant green.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience, or shred leftover grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
  • Let cheese cool for a few minutes after baking to achieve a perfect stretchy consistency without becoming oily or dry.
  • Substitute gluten-free pasta and use lactose-free cheese alternatives to make this dish friendly for various dietary restrictions.

Alfredo Variations for More Veggies or Proteins

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein like chickpeas for a meat-free version that's packed with nutrients.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rigatoni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining a creamy texture.
  • Seafood Transformation: Trade chicken for succulent shrimp or flaky white fish to create a maritime-inspired Alfredo that brings ocean flavors to the classic dish.

Serving Baked Alfredo Casserole at the Table

  • Fresh Green Salad Pairing: Toss a crisp mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the baked Alfredo.
  • Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture to the meal.
  • Wine Selection: Complement the creamy chicken dish with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Keeping Alfredo Casserole Tasty as Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and broccoli Alfredo to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly and storing up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350F, spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding splash of milk or cream to restore creamy texture.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken and broccoli baked Alfredo is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat throughout the week for quick and delicious meals.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great, you can substitute with penne, ziti, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, choose a lighter Alfredo sauce, or use reduced-fat cheese to make the recipe more nutritious.

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Chicken Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Baked Alfredo Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken broccoli baked alfredo delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich Italian-inspired flavors with hearty ingredients. Cheesy, golden-topped pasta promises a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) rigatoni pasta
  • 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) fresh broccoli florets

Cheese:

  • 1 cup (113 grams) freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) creamy Alfredo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
  2. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil, then add rigatoni and cook 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente texture.
  3. During the last 3 minutes of pasta cooking, introduce broccoli florets directly into the same boiling water to simultaneously cook and save on dishes.
  4. Carefully drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander, shaking to remove excess water, then transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Incorporate shredded chicken into the pasta mixture, then generously coat with Alfredo sauce, ensuring even distribution of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Create a uniform cheese layer by sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top of the pasta mixture, covering the entire surface.
  7. Place the uncovered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese topping that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly set before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure pasta is slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking, maintaining a perfect al dente texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation or swap with leftover grilled chicken for added smoky flavor.
  • Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or fresh herbs like basil and parsley for extra brightness and complexity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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