Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 12 oz cooked pasta (penne or rotini), cooked al dente
Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (such as basil, oregano, thyme)
- Olive oil, for cooking chicken
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop chicken breasts into pieces or prepare for searing. Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and minced garlic until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and slice or shred as preferred.
- Blanch the broccoli: Boil a pot of water and blanch broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and pat dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, Alfredo sauce, and Italian herbs, ensuring all components are evenly coated with sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor and creamier texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Pat broccoli dry thoroughly after blanching to avoid excess water in the bake.
- Let the dish rest after baking to thicken the sauce and improve flavor harmony.
- Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of casserole)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken broccoli Alfredo bake, creamy casserole, baked pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, protein and veggies, baked Alfredo pasta