Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a delightful dish that perfectly combines creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all baked together with pasta to create a comforting one-pot meal. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the ease of preparation and the satisfaction it brings to your dinner table. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With its cheesy goodness and hearty ingredients, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake quickly becomes a favorite in any household.
Why We Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
There’s so much to love about Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake! First, the creamy texture of the rich Alfredo sauce, made with cottage cheese and Parmesan, offers a flavorful base that binds all the ingredients together. The rotini pasta adds a delightful chewiness while holding on to the sauce. The tender chicken breast provides a satisfying protein boost, making this dish a complete meal. Plus, using fresh broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also incorporates essential vitamins, making it a healthier choice. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with your choice of vegetables or seasonings, ensuring everyone will find something to enjoy. What’s better than a dish that’s both delicious and adaptable to your taste?
Ingredients about Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups evaporated milk
- 3.5 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 pinch ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped broccoli
- 1 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Directions
To begin crafting your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake, you’ll first need to make the delicious Alfredo sauce. Grab your blender and combine the cottage cheese with the evaporated milk, blending until smooth. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with the minced garlic and a pinch of white pepper. Allow this mixture to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until it thickens beautifully. Once it reaches the desired consistency, mix in the chopped parsley and set this rich sauce aside.
Next, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, take an 8×8-inch baking dish and melt the butter inside it in the microwave. Once melted, sprinkle in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, allowing the aroma to fill the kitchen. Layer the uncooked rotini pasta over this buttery goodness, and then pour the chicken broth on top. After that, add the chopped broccoli, spreading it evenly over the pasta.
Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Take your cubed chicken breast and season it with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the broccoli, ensuring an even distribution. Now, you can pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the entire dish, covering all the ingredients completely. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for about 50 minutes.
After 50 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Sprinkle the additional Parmesan cheese on top, and then broil it for an extra 2 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt and become golden, adding a lovely texture to the dish. Once finished, take the bake out of the oven, and let it cool slightly before serving. Your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Serving Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is as easy as it gets! Why not scoop generous portions onto each plate, ensuring everyone receives a mix of pasta, chicken, and broccoli? This dish is filling enough to stand alone, but if you want to enhance the meal, consider pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly in olive oil and lemon, or some garlic bread to soak up any extra Alfredo sauce. For an added touch of freshness, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley, bringing color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to your meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also offer a side of steamed vegetables or roasted carrots, which would complement the creamy bake. Feel free to set up a little serving station where guests can help themselves to extra grated Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes if they like a bit more heat. This way, you can personalize your servings to cater to everyone’s taste preferences.
Expert Tips: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
To ensure that your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake turns out perfectly each time, consider these expert tips:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Since the pasta will continue to cook while baking, make sure to cook it to al dente before layering it in the dish. This will keep it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Vs. Frozen Veggies: For the freshest flavor and texture, opt for fresh broccoli. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it properly to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- Customize Proteins: Feel free to substitute the chicken with other proteins such as turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Watch the Broil: Broiling times can vary based on your oven’s settings. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just extend the baking time slightly if it’s going in cold.
How to Store Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
If you have leftovers (which is quite common given its deliciousness), storing your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is simple. First, let the bake cool down completely at room temperature. Then, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. To do so, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it into a freezer-safe container. This way, your dish can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful as this method can sometimes lead to uneven heating.
Variation of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a fantastic base recipe that encourages creativity. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
- Cheesy Spinach Alfredo Bake: Add a few cups of fresh spinach along with the broccoli for an extra boost of vitamins. The spinach will wilt beautifully and complement the sauce.
- Mushroom and Chicken Alfredo Bake: Incorporate sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Simply sauté them ahead of time before mixing them in.
- Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Bake: If you enjoy a little heat, toss in some cooked shredded chicken mixed with buffalo sauce. This spicy twist will elevate the dish entirely!
- Pesto Alfredo Bake: For a fresh and vibrant flavor, blend some pesto into the Alfredo sauce. This adds a herbaceous note that’s perfect for pesto lovers.
- Vegan Cheese Alfredo Bake: Use plant-based ingredients to make the sauce, replacing cottage cheese with cashews and using a dairy-free cream for a vegan take on this dish.
Experiment with these variations to find your favorite or dare to create your own unique take on this delightful recipe!
FAQ
What is Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a comforting dish made with rotini pasta, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked together until deliciously cheesy.
Can I use a different type of cheese in Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Yes, you can certainly experiment with different cheeses! Cheddar or mozzarella can be great substitutes for an alternative flavor profile.
How long can I store Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake in the fridge?
You can safely store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days when kept in an airtight container.
Can I prepare Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish beforehand and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just adjust the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake kid-friendly?
Yes, this dish is usually a hit with kids thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it a family-friendly option!
Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Ingredients
For the Alfredo sauce
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 1.5 cups evaporated milk
- 3.5 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 pinch ground white pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the main dish
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped broccoli fresh preferred
- 1 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation of Alfredo sauce
- In a blender, combine cottage cheese and evaporated milk, blending until smooth.
- Transfer to a saucepan; heat over medium-high heat, stirring in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and white pepper.
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until thickened; mix in chopped parsley and set aside.
Preparing the baking dish
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in an 8×8 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper; layer uncooked rotini pasta.
- Pour chicken broth over pasta and add chopped broccoli.
Assembling and Baking
- Season cubed chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; arrange on top of broccoli.
- Pour prepared Alfredo sauce over the whole dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top, and broil for 2 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
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