Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake

$- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For this dish, I love using rotini pasta. It holds sauce well, making every bite creamy. Shredded chicken adds protein and makes it hearty. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce if you're short on time. But homemade sauce can really elevate the dish. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish Garlic powder adds a warm flavor. Italian seasoning gives it that classic taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. If you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets the oven ready for baking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rotini pasta, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. This mix sets a great base for our dish. Next, pour in 2 cups of Alfredo sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until every piece is coated with sauce. This step is key for flavor. Now, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. This helps prevent sticking. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Finish by adding ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a tasty, cheesy layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. This helps cook the dish evenly. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to become bubbly and golden. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to serve. Enjoy! How to cook rotini pasta perfectly? To cook rotini pasta well, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a boil before adding the pasta. Cook the rotini for about 8 to 10 minutes until it's al dente. Stir it every few minutes to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking. Tips for shredding chicken easily? Shredding chicken can be simple. Use cooked chicken breast for the best results. Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding. You can use two forks to pull apart the meat. Or, for quick shredding, use a hand mixer on low speed. This method saves time and effort. Adding extra cheese or spices for depth of flavor? Cheese adds richness. Try adding more mozzarella or a sprinkle of cheddar for a twist. You can also mix in some smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for added warmth. These small changes can elevate your dish and create layers of taste. Suggested toppings before baking? Before baking, consider adding toppings for crunch. Panko bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter work well. Toss in some Italian herbs for extra flavor. You can even add a bit of extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish. This makes your Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake even more inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen to enhance flavor and texture. Customize Your Cheese: Mix different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make it Ahead: Prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve! Add a Crunch: For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. Turkey gives a nice, lean taste. Tofu adds a great plant-based twist. You may also want to try homemade Alfredo sauce. It’s easy! Mix cream, butter, and cheese for a richer taste. You can also add herbs like basil for extra flavor. If you need gluten-free pasta, many brands make great options. Look for rice or corn-based pasta that holds up well. For cheese, try low-fat versions. They still melt nicely and taste great. You can also use vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal. To keep your Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake fresh, cool it first. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When storing, make sure to label it with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key. For best results, use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is warm throughout. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed. Avoid overheating to keep the texture creamy and the flavors fresh. Can I make Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and place them in your baking dish. Then, cover it with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, simply add extra time to the cooking process. This ensures it heats evenly. How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy? To prevent mushy pasta, undercook the rotini slightly before mixing it. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes instead of the full time. This keeps the pasta firm and allows it to absorb some sauce while baking. What to do if the dish is too dry? If your Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake turns out dry, there are easy fixes. Try adding a splash of extra Alfredo sauce before serving. You can also add a little chicken broth for added moisture. Stir gently to combine without breaking the pasta. Ensuring the dish is properly cooked through To make sure your dish is cooked through, check that the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use a fork to test the pasta and chicken. If they feel warm but not hot, bake for a few more minutes. This ensures everything is heated evenly. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake. We covered the main ingredients, like rotini pasta and shredded chicken, and showed you step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for cooking and storing your dish, plus variations to suit your needs. With these easy recipes and tips, you can create a hearty meal. Whether for dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to please. Enjoy making your tasty bake!$

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake

A delicious and comforting baked dish featuring rotini pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce topped with cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rotini pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets.
Pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture, then add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.

Keyword alfredo, bake, broccoli, chicken, pasta