Irresistible Chicken Alfredo Dish

This irresistible chicken and broccoli alfredo bake transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting casserole that satisfies both kids and adults alike. The creamy sauce envelops tender pasta, juicy chicken chunks, and bright broccoli florets, all baked to golden perfection.

I first created this dish when trying to please both my pasta-loving husband and my health-conscious sister during a family gathering. The empty dish and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know about its success.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these stay juicy when cubed and sautéed before baking
• Fresh broccoli florets: add beautiful color nutrition and a slight crunch to balance the creamy elements
• Farfalle or penne pasta: the shapes hold the sauce perfectly in their nooks and crannies
• Heavy cream: creates the rich velvety base for the homemade alfredo sauce
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: always grate your own for superior melting and authentic flavor
• Garlic cloves: minced fresh for that aromatic foundation that elevates the entire dish
• Italian seasoning: a convenient blend that adds depth and herbaceous notes throughout
• Olive oil: use a good quality oil for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:

Preheat your oven to a moderate 375°F and take a moment to properly grease your 9×13 baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. A glass dish works particularly well as it allows you to see how the bottom is cooking.

Cook the Chicken to Perfection:

Cut your chicken breasts into bite sized cubes about 1 inch across. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper before adding to a hot skillet with olive oil. Cook for a full 6 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the pieces develop a beautiful golden exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Add Aromatics and Vegetables:

Introduce the minced garlic to the hot skillet with the chicken stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant before adding the broccoli florets. Cook together for 3 to 4 minutes just until the broccoli brightens to a vibrant green but still maintains some firmness. This ensures it won't become mushy in the oven.

Prepare the Pasta Foundation:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil adding a tablespoon of salt before dropping in your pasta. Cook until just al dente according to package directions usually about 9 minutes for farfalle. Reserve a half cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help thin the sauce if needed.

Create Your Silky Alfredo Sauce:

In a separate saucepan over medium low heat gently warm the heavy cream without allowing it to boil. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and smooth. Finish with Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Assemble Your Baking Masterpiece:

Combine the drained pasta chicken and broccoli mixture and creamy alfredo sauce directly in your prepared baking dish. Fold everything together gently until each piece is thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. If it seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Bake to Bubbly Perfection:

Place the assembled dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the edges turn golden brown and the entire surface is bubbling with cheesy goodness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

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The secret to this dish's extraordinary flavor lies in using freshly grated Parmesan. I learned from my Italian grandmother that pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly into that silky smooth texture we all crave in an authentic alfredo sauce.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole shines as a meal prep champion. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours before baking just cover tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off and add an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time. For longer storage freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Perfect Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Swap spinach for broccoli or use a combination of vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for variety. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a time-saver and mozzarella can be added to the top for an extra cheesy finish. For a lighter version substitute half and half for the heavy cream though the sauce won't be quite as rich.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate this one-dish wonder with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A slice of garlic bread makes the perfect companion for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. For special occasions serve with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay which pairs wonderfully with the creamy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw it first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Farfalle or penne pasta are great choices, but any hearty pasta that holds sauce well can work.

→ Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?

You can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor profile.

→ How do I make the dish lighter?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bake when ready to serve.