Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta), cooked al dente
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes.
Add 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
You can substitute rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a touch of heat.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: chicken alfredo bake, broccoli pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, family dinner, baked pasta recipe