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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, bright broccoli, and a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, all topped with bubbly melted mozzarella and a golden Parmesan crust. It’s comforting, cheesy, and simple enough for any busy night.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, potlucks, meal prep, holiday meals, or cozy Sunday suppers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Rest Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy garlic Alfredo sauce
Tender chicken and broccoli
Melty, golden cheese topping
Easy one-dish dinner
Great for using leftover chicken
Kid-friendly flavors
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Simple to prepare ahead
Ideal for meal prep
Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
3 cups small broccoli florets

Creamy Alfredo Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of ground nutmeg

Cheese Topping

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons Italian-style breadcrumbs, optional

Optional Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley
Red pepper flakes
Extra grated Parmesan
Cracked black pepper
Lemon zest

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions.

Add the broccoli florets to the pot during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then drain well.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

Step 3: Cook the Garlic

Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Flour

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Milk

Slowly pour in the cream and milk while whisking constantly.

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Assemble the Bake

Step 7: Combine

In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta and broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 8: Fill the Dish

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.

Step 9: Add the Topping

Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, followed by the Parmesan and breadcrumbs, if using.

Bake and Serve

Step 10: Bake

Bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes.

The cheese should be melted and golden, and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.

Step 11: Broil, Optional

For a more golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so it does not burn.

Step 12: Rest

Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This allows the sauce to thicken so each portion holds together.

Step 13: Garnish and Serve

Top with parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan.

Serve warm.

The Best Chicken to Use

Choose chicken that is tender and easy to shred.

Good options include:

Rotisserie chicken
Poached chicken breasts
Baked chicken thighs
Leftover roasted chicken
Pan-seared chicken, diced
Grilled chicken strips

Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option and adds extra flavor.

How to Keep the Bake Creamy

Undercook the pasta slightly
Make the sauce a little looser than you think you need
Use whole milk and heavy cream
Do not overbake
Stir the sauce well before assembling
Let the bake rest before serving
Add a splash of milk when reheating

Pasta continues to absorb sauce as it bakes, so a slightly saucy mixture produces the creamiest result.

Can I Use Jarred Alfredo Sauce?

Yes. Jarred Alfredo sauce is a convenient shortcut.

Use about 2 jars (15 ounces each) and thin it with ½ cup of milk. Add a little garlic powder and black pepper to boost the flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?

Yes. Frozen broccoli florets work well.

Thaw them and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, then stir them in raw since the bake will finish cooking them. Chop larger florets into bite-sized pieces.

Delicious Variations

Chicken Bacon Alfredo Bake

Stir in 6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon and sprinkle more over the top.

Spicy Alfredo Bake

Add red pepper flakes, sliced jalapeños, or a spoonful of hot sauce to the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Bake

Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy, Italian-inspired twist.

Spinach Chicken Alfredo Bake

Replace some of the broccoli with fresh baby spinach.

Toss panko with melted butter and Parmesan for a crisp, golden topping.

Can I Make It Ahead?

Yes. Assemble the bake up to one day in advance.

Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add the cheese topping just before baking.

Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if the dish goes into the oven cold, and cover with foil for the first 20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Refrigerate for up to four days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven with a splash of milk to restore the creamy sauce.

Can You Freeze Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?

Yes. Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe dish without baking it, or freeze cooled, baked portions.

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake until hot throughout and bubbling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cook the chicken first?

Yes. Use fully cooked chicken, since the baking time is not long enough to cook raw chicken through.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cheese should be melted and lightly golden, and the sauce should bubble at the edges.

Why is my sauce too thick?

The pasta may have absorbed too much liquid. Stir in a splash of milk or cream before baking.

Why is my sauce grainy?

The Parmesan may have been added over high heat, or pre-grated cheese may have been used. Remove the pan from the heat and use freshly grated cheese.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes. Rigatoni, fettuccine, bowtie, and shells all work well.

Can I make it without flour?

Yes. Simmer the cream a little longer to thicken it, or use a cornstarch slurry instead.

Can I use half-and-half?

Yes. It makes a lighter sauce, though the result will be slightly less rich.

Pro Tips

Undercook the pasta so it finishes cooking in the oven without turning mushy.

Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Cut the broccoli into small florets so it cooks evenly.

Let the bake rest before serving so the sauce thickens and the slices hold together.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake brings together creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melted cheese in one cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

It’s easy to make, simple to prepare ahead, and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

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