Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping
Intro
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a rich Alfredo sauce—all baked under a golden, buttery topping. It’s a family favorite comfort dish that comes together with pantry staples and is ideal for meal prepping or potlucks.
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Bake:
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
- 8 oz (225g) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade – see below)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Crispy Topping:
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prep Broccoli
Lightly steam or blanch broccoli until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well.
4. Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Assemble the Bake
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
6. Add the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Cool & Serve
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Alfredo Shortcut: Use a quality jarred sauce, or make a simple homemade version (butter + cream + Parmesan).
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great time-saver for busy nights.
- Make Ahead: Assemble everything ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if chilled.
- Extra Crispy? Broil the last 2 minutes for extra golden topping.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for cooked cauliflower florets.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I freeze this bake?
A: Yes! Assemble it (without the topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake with topping added fresh.
Q: What’s the best pasta to use?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, ziti, or shells work best—they hold sauce well and fit nicely in a casserole dish.
Q: Can I use fresh broccoli?
A: Yes, just steam or blanch it until tender-crisp before mixing in.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
A: Sure—skip the chicken and add mushrooms or sautéed zucchini for a veggie-packed version.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, light Alfredo sauce, and reduced-fat cheese. Add extra broccoli for bulk and fiber.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–550 |
| Protein | 30–35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–40g |
| Fat | 22–28g |
| Saturated Fat | 10–13g |
| Fiber | 3–5g |
| Sugar | 2–4g |
| Sodium | 800–1000mg |
Varies depending on sauce brand, cheese, and toppings used.