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Chicken broccoli alfredo bake being served from a glass baking dish.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a decadent-tasting, wholesome, comfort food casserole that’s easy to make. It’s high in protein and a little lighter than most Alfredo pastas. Plus it’s freezer-friendly, so double and freeze one for later while you’re at it.

Yield: 6 servings 1x
Prep: 25 minutesCook: 20-25 minutesTotal: 45-50 minutes
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Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (2 cups) whole grain penne pasta (I used Barilla brand; sub: Banza gluten free penne)
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets (into bite-sized, uniform pieces)
  • 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken (about 1/2 pound or 1/2 rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 batch Homemade Alfredo Sauce, see recipe below (sub: one 15-ounce jar plain Alfredo Sauce + 1/3 cup milk*)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, crushed in hand (sub: dried oregano)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Homemade Alfredo Sauce: (Yield: 2 1/4 cups)

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (sub: whole wheat or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste

*If using jarred sauce, you’ll end up with more sodium in the recipe. So I’d suggest NOT salting the pasta water in Step 1.

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Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt (skip the salt if using jarred alfredo sauce). Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Add the broccoli to the boiling water during the last 2 minutes of cooking, just until crisp tender. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside. While pasta cooks, move on to Steps 2 and 3.
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: (skip this step if using a jar from the store) In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble gently. Using a whisk, stir in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Whisk in the chicken broth and the milk until smooth. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened, whisking continually. Remove from the heat. Whisk in the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  4. Combine: In the pot you cooked the pasta in, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli, rotisserie chicken, Alfredo Sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (reserve the rest). Gently stir until evenly combined.
  5. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×9-inch pan. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  6. Bake: Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Turn on the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, just until it starts to get a little golden on top (watch closely!). Top with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.

Freezer Meal Instructions:

To Freeze: Assemble the casserole (through Step 5), but do not bake. Cover tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and/or foil, label, and freeze.

To Prepare: Thaw about 24 hours in the refrigerator. Bake according to directions in Step 6.


Notes/Tips

  • You can use half and half in the Alfredo sauce for a creamier result.
  • If you’re replacing the homemade Alfredo sauce with jarred, I’d recommend Raos Alfredo Sauce for the cleanest ingredients.
© Author: Rachel Tiemeyer
Cuisine: American Method: Bake