Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo: A Comforting and Delicious Meal
As a busy mom, finding time to cook a tasty meal can be tough, especially on weeknights. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo recipe. It’s a comforting casserole with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s sure to become a hit with your family.
Key Takeaways
- This recipe is an easy, comfort food casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- It features a homemade Alfredo sauce, rotisserie chicken, and fresh broccoli for a delicious, cheesy pasta bake.
- The dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes and is picky eater and kid-approved.
- It’s a great freezer meal option, making it easy to have a comforting meal on hand for those hectic days.
- With its blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is a must-try for any chicken and broccoli lover.
Understanding the Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
Our Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a top pick for creamy pasta lovers. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce. This mix makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
What Makes This Dish Special
The dish’s flavor comes from its chosen ingredients and how they blend. The Alfredo sauce’s creaminess, the chicken’s savory taste, and the broccoli’s crunch make each bite special. It’s a mix of textures and tastes that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients Overview
The recipe’s success comes from a few key parts. We use penne or rotini pasta as the base. Then, we add juicy chicken breast and broccoli florets for flavor and fiber. The Alfredo sauce, made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese, adds a creamy touch.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also good for you. It has protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbs from the pasta. It’s also rich in calcium from the cheese. This makes it a balanced and satisfying meal.
“This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a must-try for any pasta lover. The perfect balance of flavors and textures makes it a true delight.”
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
To make the perfect Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo, you’ll need some key items. First, gather the main ingredients. These include pasta, chicken breast, broccoli florets, Alfredo sauce, and cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella.
You’ll also need cream cheese, half-and-half, butter, flour, and seasonings. For the equipment, a 9×13 baking dish is a must. You’ll also need a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for straining, and a cheese grater or Microplane zester.
A medium saucepan is needed for making the Alfredo sauce. You might also want a mini food processor to smooth out cottage cheese.
| Kitchen Essentials | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | 1 lb |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2 |
| Broccoli Florets | 1 large head |
| Alfredo Sauce | 2 16 oz jars |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups |
| Cream Cheese | 4 oz |
| Half-and-Half | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tbsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tsp |
| Olive Oil | As needed |
| Cooking Spray | As needed |
With these kitchen essentials, a baking dish, and a cheese grater, you’re all set. You’ll be able to make the ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo.
Making the Creamy Alfredo Sauce From Scratch
Making the perfect homemade Alfredo sauce is key to our Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo dish. We start with a classic roux for a rich, creamy texture. This base lets us mix in cheeses that melt into a velvety sauce.
Creating the Perfect Roux
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir for 2-3 minutes, until the roux cooks and smells nutty.
Incorporating Cheese Blend
Pour in 2 cups of half-and-half slowly, whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer, stirring now and then, until it’s thick and creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 4 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and mixes well.
Seasoning Tips
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for extra flavor.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- For an Italian twist, consider including 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
Cream cheese is the secret to our Alfredo sauce. It makes the sauce ultra-thick and tangy. This creates the perfect creamy texture for our chicken and broccoli.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Make the perfect Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo with our simple steps. First, heat your oven to 375°F. While it warms up, cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Steam the broccoli until it’s tender.
In a big bowl, mix the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir until it’s all combined. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and put the pasta mix in it. Sprinkle a lot of mozzarella cheese on top.
Bake the Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo for 15 to 20 minutes. It should be hot, bubbly, and the cheese melted. If you want a crispy top, broil it for 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the layers set. Then, enjoy this tasty, comforting baked pasta!
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo doesn’t have to stop after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it for days. Here are the best ways to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great way to keep your leftovers fresh. Just put the dish in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure to remove air to keep it fresh. Frozen leftovers can last up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Best Reheating Practices
Reheating in the oven is the best way to keep your dish tasty. Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly. Don’t use the microwave, as it can dry out the pasta and sauce.
Meal Prep Tips
Prep your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo parts ahead of time. Cook pasta, Alfredo sauce, chicken, and broccoli separately. Then, just assemble and bake. This saves time and keeps the dish fresh.
Follow these tips to enjoy Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo for longer. It’s convenient and keeps the dish creamy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a family-friendly recipe that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s easy to make it your own by adding different pasta shapes or veggies. This makes it a versatile dish everyone can enjoy.
The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a hit with everyone. The broccoli adds a healthy twist. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
So, invite your loved ones over for this tasty Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo. It’s a meal that’s sure to make everyone happy and full.
FAQ
What makes this Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo dish special?
This dish is special because of its creamy texture and rich flavor. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s a comforting meal for the whole family.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are pasta, chicken breast, broccoli florets, and Alfredo sauce. You’ll also need Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, half-and-half, butter, flour, and seasonings.
What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
This dish is balanced with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and carbs from pasta. It’s high in protein, calcium from cheese, and vitamins from broccoli.
What equipment is needed to make this recipe?
You’ll need a 9×13 casserole dish, a large pot for boiling pasta, and a colander. Also, a cheese grater or Microplane zester, and a medium saucepan for the Alfredo sauce. A mini food processor is optional for smooth cottage cheese.
How do you make the creamy Alfredo sauce from scratch?
Start by making a roux with butter and flour. Then, whisk in half-and-half until it’s smooth and thick. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, and cottage cheese for creaminess. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
How do you prepare and assemble the Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo?
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook pasta al dente and steam broccoli. Mix cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce in a bowl. Put it in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 15-20 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese.
How do you store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For best results, reheat in the oven. Microwave reheating can affect the texture.
