Chicken Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich alfredo sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for family dinners!
This meal has a fun way of sneaking in veggies! I usually ask everyone to guess how much broccoli is hiding in there—shh, it’s more than you think! 😄
What I love most is how quick it is to whip up. Just cook the chicken and broccoli, stir in the sauce, and mix with pasta. Dinner is served in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta shape really holds onto the Alfredo sauce! If you can’t find rotini, try penne or farfalle instead. They’ll work just as well in this cozy dish.
Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken breast is ideal, but you can use rotisserie chicken for ease. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap it out for extra broccoli or sautéed mushrooms.
Broccoli: Steamed broccoli adds great texture and color. You can also use fresh spinach or frozen peas if broccoli isn’t on hand. It’s all about that veggie boost!
Alfredo Sauce: You can choose between store-bought or homemade sauce. For a lighter option, consider using a low-fat version or even a cashew cream sauce for a dairy-free alternative.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that nice stretch, while Parmesan adds a rich taste. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan take.
How Do I Get the Garlic Flavor Just Right?
Cooking garlic properly is key to having a great flavor without bitterness. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your olive oil on medium heat before adding garlic. The oil should shimmer, not smoke.
- Once the garlic is in, watch closely! Sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often.
- If garlic starts to brown too much, it will turn bitter, so remove it from the heat if that happens.
This little step makes the entire dish so much better. Enjoy the wonderful aroma!
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Flavor:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Chicken Broccoli Alfredo takes about 15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, making a total of around 45 minutes from start to delicious finish. It’s a simple and comforting dish that the whole family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Ingredients:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your dish cooks evenly and the cheese becomes perfectly bubbly and golden.
2. Sautéing the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Combining the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rotini pasta, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour in the sautéed garlic and give everything a good stir to mix well.
4. Adding the Alfredo Sauce:
Now pour the Alfredo sauce over the mixture. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Transferring to the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully transfer the pasta mixture into it. Make sure to spread it out evenly so that it bakes nicely.
6. Adding the Cheesy Topping:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. This cheese will melt beautifully while baking!
7. Baking the Dish:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown when it’s done!
8. Finishing Touches:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a bright touch before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Broccoli Alfredo!
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may have varying cooking durations.
What If I Don’t Have Alfredo Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by combining 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of butter, and a pinch of garlic powder. Heat gently in a saucepan, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals to avoid drying it out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more steamed vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook them before adding to the mixture so they’re tender and delicious!
