Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Baked Alfredo

This ultra-comforting dish combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all baked with pasta under a golden cheese crust. A restaurant-worthy meal made at home!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1.5 cups frozen)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt & pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (for meltiness)

• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, but delicious)

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Prep & Cook Pasta:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions. In the last 2 minutes, add broccoli to the boiling water. Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Toss chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper.

   • Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove from pan.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Pour in heavy cream, simmer for 2 minutes.

   • Whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt & pepper.

4. Assemble & Bake:

   • In a greased 9×13″ baking dish, combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce.

   • Top with mozzarella, Panko (if using), and Parmesan.

   • Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

   • Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness (watch closely!).

Why You’ll Love It

✅ Creamy, cheesy perfection – Better than takeout!
✅ Balanced textures – Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, al dente pasta.
✅ Meal-prep friendly – Reheats beautifully for lunches.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic bread

• Side salad with balsamic dressing

• Extra red pepper flakes for heat 🌶️

Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and jarred Alfredo sauce (but homemade is worth it!).

Enjoy this ultimate comfort food straight from the oven!