Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

The aroma of melted cheese combined with savory chicken and tender broccoli wafts through the kitchen, promising something comforting and satisfying. This Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a delightful dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare and cook, and it’s a stunning crowd-pleaser. The creamy Alfredo sauce brings everything together beautifully, making it a hit for both family dinners and gatherings.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to serve a hearty meal with minimal fuss. It’s great for weeknight dinners or when you have guests over. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, simply reheating when you’re ready to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy sauce beautifully complements the tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli.
• It comes together in under an hour, making it a quick and satisfying option.
• The cheesy topping adds a delightful layer of flavor and texture.
• It uses rotisserie chicken for added convenience without sacrificing taste.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this delicious meal:

For the Pasta

• 1 pound rigatoni
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Veggies

• 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets

For Topping

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, hand shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Consider using homemade Alfredo for a personal touch.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Rigatoni can be replaced with penne.
• Alfredo sauce can be substituted with cheese sauce.
• Fresh broccoli can be swapped with frozen.

How to Make It

Follow these easy steps:

Boil the pasta

In a large pot, cook the rigatoni in salted water, but for 3-4 minutes less than the package directions, so it’s undercooked by that time.

Add the broccoli

In the last few minutes of boiling the pasta, add the chopped broccoli florets to the pot. Cook together until the pasta is al dente and the broccoli is tender.

Drain and transfer

Drain the pasta and broccoli, then transfer them into a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Combine ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the dish. Mix everything until the pasta, chicken, and broccoli are well coated with sauce.

Top with cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

Bake

Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Cool and serve

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the pasta may become mushy.
Reheat: Microwave or bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the pasta is al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft during baking.
• Mix the ingredients thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
• Consider adding breadcrumbs on top for an extra crunchy layer.
• Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
• This dish is excellent for potlucks or family gatherings.