Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping is a comforting American casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. Topped with mozzarella and a golden panko-Parmesan crust, this dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta (cooked and drained)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and the prepared Alfredo sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all the components with the creamy sauce.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Make Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, toss 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will form a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for better texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce to add a slight kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience.
- Frozen broccoli can be used but should be thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
