When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a creamy, cheesy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake. This delightful casserole combines tender rotini pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce for a meal that is as satisfying as it is wholesome. No matter the occasion, this recipe promises to please the entire family and become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Why We Love This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your meal without sacrificing flavor. The creamy Alfredo sauce, made from cottage cheese and evaporated milk, is both indulgent and healthy. Not to mention, the combination of chicken and broccoli provides a well-rounded dish that delivers protein and vitamins. This recipe is also simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just one baking dish required, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your time with family without the hassle of extensive cooking.
Ingredients for 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
Getting started with this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. Begin by preparing your Alfredo sauce, which serves as the cornerstone of the entire dish. In a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, combine the cottage cheese and evaporated milk. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth. Next, transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of white pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once thickened, mix in the chopped parsley, and set aside.
Now it’s time to prepare the baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In an 8×8-inch baking dish, place the butter and microwave it on Medium until melted, which will take roughly 30 seconds. Once melted, sprinkle minced garlic, half a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper over the butter. This adds an aromatic layer to your dish. Evenly distribute the uncooked rotini pasta over the butter mixture, followed by pouring the chicken broth over the rotini. Layer the chopped broccoli on top of the pasta, creating a lovely texture contrast.
For the protein component, season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the broccoli layer, allowing the flavors to meld during baking. Finally, pour the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the casserole, ensuring that each component gets coated in that creamy goodness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in your preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Once the time is up, remove the foil from the dish and sprinkle the casserole with more freshly grated Parmesan cheese. To achieve a beautiful golden top, turn on your oven’s broiler and broil for an additional 2 minutes. This step will give your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake an irresistible, cheesy finish.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Serving your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is easy and flexible to fit any occasion. This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the oven, but can also be made ahead of time for busy days. Slice the casserole into hearty portions using a spatula or a large spoon, making sure to scoop up a bit of every layer: the creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and vibrant broccoli. You can garnish each serving with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing this bake with a side salad is an excellent way to create a well-rounded meal. Consider a light garden salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. If you’re looking for added crunch, garlic bread or a crusty loaf is an excellent accompaniment to soak up any leftover Alfredo sauce. Alternatively, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables for an extra dose of nutrition.
No matter how you choose to serve it, this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Expert Tips for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
To ensure your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake turns out perfectly each time, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. First, make sure to season each layer of your casserole. From the chicken to the pasta and sauce, seasoning is key to flavor. Taste your sauce before pouring it over the casserole, adjusting seasoning as needed to suit your preferences.
When cooking the rotini pasta, it’s essential to not overcook it in the boiling water, as it will continue to cook in the oven. You want it to be al dente—firm to the bite. This way, the texture remains enjoyable even after baking.
Experiment with different cheeses! While this recipe calls for Parmesan, feel free to mix in mozzarella, cheddar, or even a bit of feta for a unique twist. If you like a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or increasing the amount of garlic.
Lastly, don’t skip the broiling step. This creates a delightful, caramelized top that adds both flavor and texture. Keep a close eye on it while broiling, as it can go from golden to burnt quickly.
How to Store Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
Storing your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is straightforward and convenient. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or place it back in the oven until heated through.
If you prefer to make the dish ahead of time, you can assemble it without baking it. Cover the assembled casserole with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply follow the baking instructions, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting from a chilled state.
For longer storage, consider freezing the casserole. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake
The beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake is its versatility, allowing you to make it your own. If you’re looking to spice things up, consider adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or even diced carrots can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. For added texture and flavor, top the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before broiling.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of broccoli or other vegetables. You could also experiment with plant-based proteins or tofu for a satisfying meat substitute. If you’re looking to keep it lower in calories, consider using low-fat cheese and milk alternatives or spiralizing zucchini in place of pasta for a lighter base.
Another option to consider is changing up the sauce. If you prefer a white sauce with a different flavor, you might try mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or pesto to the Alfredo sauce. This not only brings a unique taste but also enhances the visual appeal of your dish.
FAQ
What ingredients are needed for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
This recipe calls for cottage cheese, evaporated milk, Parmesan cheese, rotini pasta, chicken broth, chopped broccoli, cubed chicken breast, and various seasonings to create a delightful meal.
How do I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
To make this dish, blend cottage cheese and evaporated milk for the sauce, combine it with cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli, then bake until bubbly and golden.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Consider a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the bake. Steamed vegetables also pair nicely for a nutrition boost.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
How should I store leftovers from Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake?
Allow leftovers to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.
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 Casserole
- 1 tablespoon butter For greasing the baking dish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For the butter mixture
- 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
- 0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For topping
Instructions
Making the Alfredo Sauce
- In a high-powered blender, combine the cottage cheese and evaporated milk. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and white pepper.
- Cook the mixture, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mix in the chopped parsley and set the sauce aside.
Preparing the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In an 8x8-inch baking dish, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and black pepper over the melted butter.
- Distribute the uncooked rotini pasta evenly over the butter mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rotini, then layer the chopped broccoli on top.
- Season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and arrange it on top of the broccoli.
- Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce evenly over the casserole, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the foil and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.
- Broil for an additional 2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!