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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo bake casserole with golden cheese topping

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This is the ultimate cozy, all-in-one dinner. A creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, made with a proper roux, coats pasta, chicken, and broccoli for a comforting bake that’s both simple and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or cavatappi)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli florets to the pot. Drain pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, cook chicken in a little oil or butter over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk and cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until thickened, 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in onion powder, nutmeg, 1 1/2 cups Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella until melted. Season sauce well with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained pasta, broccoli, and cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir gently to coat. Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Top evenly with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook the pasta by 2 minutes to prevent mushiness. Warm the milk before adding to the roux for a smooth sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Letting the bake rest before serving allows the sauce to set for perfect slices.

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