Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

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Prep: 10

Cook: 20

Total: 30

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is one of my favorite recipes. It’s creamy and a great way to make a quick dinner. It’s full of tender chicken, broccoli and smothered in cheesy alfredo sauce.

I make pasta all the time in my house. It is economical and delicious. Two favorites are my Tomato and Basil Pasta and my Pink Vodka Sauce.

A close-up of a plate of Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo featuring penne pasta, tender broccoli florets, juicy chicken pieces, and a creamy sauce.

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Why this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is a Keeper

I love this recipe for chicken broccoli alfredo pasta bake because it’s perfect even for the pickiest of eaters.

Streamlined Process: The recipe efficiently combines cooking steps. Adding the chopped broccoli to the pasta water for the last two minutes is a brilliant shortcut that saves a pot and ensures the broccoli is perfectly crisp-tender.
Customizable: It’s a highly flexible cheesy chicken recipe that can be easily adapted with different vegetables, proteins, and cheeses, making it easy to use what you have on hand and for picky eaters.
Great for Meal Prep: The easy casserole recipe holds up well for making ahead of time and is easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a planned lunch.

Can I Use a Different Protein for this Pasta Bake?

A close-up of a spoonful of penne garnished with chopped parsley.

Yes! Try using cooked shrimp, shredded turkey, cooked Italian sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option of this easy pasta chicken broccoli casserole.

Pro Tip for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake

Add Pasta Water: Reserve some starchy water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much before baking.

Ingredient Notes to Make Chicken Alfredo Casserole

This broccoli and chicken pasta casserole recipe uses easy, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo are neatly arranged in bowls, featuring penne pasta, broccoli, chicken, cheese, Alfredo sauce, shallots, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and dried herbs.

Chicken: Be sure you’re using cooked chicken like cooked skinless chicken thighs. You could even use rotisserie chicken.
Broccoli: I prefer to use fresh broccoli but you can also use frozen broccoli. Be aware you will need to cook it for longer if it’s frozen.
Alfredo Sauce: Feel free to make alfredo sauce from scratch. You can also use jarred alfredo sauce if you don’t want to make homemade sauce.

Variations and Substitutions for My Chicken Alfredo Bake

This broccoli with pasta and chicken recipe is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by using different ingredients or trying different flavors.

Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach (stir in a few handfuls at the end with the Alfredo sauce), or bell peppers.
Sauce: Use a homemade Alfredo sauce if you prefer, instead of store-bought. You can also mix in a jar of tomato sauce with the Alfredo to create a “pink” or “rose” sauce.
Cheese: Substitute a different Italian cheese like Pecorino Romano for Parmesan. You can also use a different shredded cheese on top like provolone or an Italian cheese blend.
Seasoning: Add a pinch of nutmeg and garlic powder to the creamy alfredo sauce for a classic Alfredo flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will give it a little heat.

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole

This recipe comes together in just 5 easy to follow steps. This easy chicken alfredo bake is so easy and delicious, I come back to it again and again.

Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.

A cooking process in three steps: sautéed onions in a pan, minced garlic in a small bowl, and a creamy Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo sauce being poured into the pan.

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Undercook the pasta by 1 minute.
Cook Veggies and Add Sauce: While pasta is cooking, cook the shallots in a large skillet over medium high heat. Then, add the garlic and cook. Stir in the alfredo sauce and Italian Seasoning. Heat thoroughly and set aside.
Cook the Broccoli: A couple minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Mix Everything Together: Add the chicken, alfredo mixture, All Purpose Seasoning and parmesan cheese to the casserole dish and mix together.
Bake the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, and top with the shredded mozzarella. Bake uncovered until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Four-panel collage showing the steps of making a Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo pasta bake with penne, tender chicken, broccoli, creamy white sauce, and grated cheese before baking.

Prep Ahead for Making Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Since this recipe is already super easy, there are only a couple things you can do ahead of time when you make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.

Cook the Chicken: If you are not using leftover chicken, you can cook and shred boneless skinless chicken breasts up to 2-3 days in advance.
Cook the Pasta: Toss cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Full Assembly (Casserole): You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of adding the mozzarella cheese) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes, then add the cheese and bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Alternate Cooking Methods for this Easy Casserole

This easy recipe for chicken broccoli pasta casserole is best in the oven, but here’s how to switch it up.

Stovetop Only (No Bake): You can easily turn this chicken broccoli alfredo into a one-pot meal on the stovetop. After the pasta and broccoli are cooked and drained, return them to the pot. Stir in the chicken, Alfredo sauce mixture, and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir in the mozzarella until it’s melted and gooey. This method is faster and great for a quick dinner.
Crockpot/Slow Cooker: This chicken broccoli alfredo recipe is not ideal for a slow cooker as the pasta can become very mushy.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Chicken Bake

Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a small splash of milk or water to the container before microwaving to help re-hydrate the sauce. You can also reheat the entire dish, covered with foil, in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Use Leftovers: This is a classic “leftover” meal, but you can also use it in creative ways: Serve the reheated leftovers inside a hollowed-out bread bowl for a fun presentation.

Common Questions to Make this Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Sure, use any type of short pasta, such as bowtie or cavatappi, or whatever your favorite pasta is.

Can I Use a Different Sauce for this Tray Bake?

Sure, use any sauce for this pasta bake with diced chicken to make it your own.

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo casserole with penne, tender broccoli, juicy chicken, melted cheese, and a garnish of chopped herbs.

Recipe Tips for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember to undercook the pasta by at least one minute. This is crucial for maintaining the right texture after baking.
Seasoning Layers: The recipe calls for All-Purpose Seasoning, but taste and adjust. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a superior flavor compared to the pre-grated kind in a can.
Even Coating: Take the time to toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce together thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated before topping with cheese. This prevents dry spots.
Serve this Recipe With: Serve chicken and broccoli pasta casserole with Rosemary Butter Rolls, Marinated Italian Green Beans or Orange Jello Salad.