Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dish—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli. It brings together everything I love in a cozy casserole: rich Alfredo sauce, a generous layer of melted cheese, and golden baked pasta that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying leftovers all week long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s a complete meal in one dish—protein, veggies, pasta, and all the cheese. It’s simple to throw together, especially if I have leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken on hand. The creamy Alfredo sauce hugs every bite, while the baked cheesy top adds a satisfying, golden finish. It’s a family favorite and one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty and easy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
- Cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic (minced or powder)
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- Salt and black pepper
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, I steam or blanch the broccoli until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, I warm olive oil and sauté garlic for a minute until fragrant. Then I stir in the cooked chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large bowl, I combine the pasta, broccoli, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce. I stir until everything is evenly coated.
- I fold in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- I transfer everything to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.
- I bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- I let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 to 8 people. Prep takes about 20 minutes, and baking adds another 25 minutes. I usually have it ready to eat in under an hour from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by using whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles. For a little spice, I add red pepper flakes or a touch of Cajun seasoning. If I want extra veggies, I throw in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. And when I’m craving a crispy topping, I mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and Parmesan to sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, or I microwave individual portions. If the pasta seems dry, I stir in a splash of milk or extra Alfredo sauce before reheating to bring back the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, I often use my favorite jarred Alfredo sauce for convenience. If I have time, I make a simple homemade version with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan.
What type of chicken works best?
I usually use cooked, shredded chicken breast, but rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Leftover grilled or baked chicken works well too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. I add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. I freeze the unbaked casserole (wrapped well) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I bake it from frozen at 350°F, covered, for about 45–50 minutes, then uncover to brown the top.
Can I use other vegetables besides broccoli?
Definitely. I’ve used spinach, peas, zucchini, or a mix of whatever veggies I have in the fridge. It’s easy to adapt to what I have on hand.
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a comforting, family-friendly dish that always hits the spot. I love how easy it is to make and how well it reheats for leftovers. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and plenty of gooey cheese, it’s a meal that never disappoints—perfect for busy weeknights, gatherings, or just when I’m craving a cozy, cheesy bake.
PrintCheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta
Cheesy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy Alfredo-coated pasta, tender chicken, broccoli, and a golden cheesy topping. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with ease.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or blanch broccoli until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
- In a large bowl, mix pasta, broccoli, chicken mixture, and Alfredo sauce until evenly coated.
- Fold in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Top with buttery breadcrumbs and Parmesan for extra crunch.
- Stir in extra Alfredo sauce or milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg