This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole is a tasty meal all in one! Unlike many quick-fix casseroles, this recipe is made from scratch and doesn’t use canned soups or pre-made sauces.
A delicious creamy pasta
I love cooking from scratch, but sometimes it can require too many steps and takes too long to make. I’ve streamlined this recipe so it comes together with simple steps so you can enjoy it without all the extra time.
The beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole lies in its ease and versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe by swapping out the vegetables or using different types of pasta. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish offers a delicious homemade alternative to processed meals.
Broccoli chicken alfredo bake recipe ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Chicken - Use leftover cooked chicken. You can use any cut of chicken. You could use a BBQ chicken or oven roasted chicken thighs. Remove any skin and bones and cut them into small cubes.
- Broccoli - Fresh broccoli cut into small pieces. You can also use frozen broccoli if you prefer. Just cook it according to the package directions, drain any liquid and then add to the casserole.
- Pasta - Use a heavy pasta like rigatoni or penne pasta. You want something that will stand up to the chunks of chicken and broccoli.
- Milk - I use a combination of milk and half and half. The half-and-half cream just helps make everything a bit thicker and creamier. You can use all milk if you'd prefer.
How to make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Casserole
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Cook pasta till al dente or until it's how you like your pasta
- Steam or blanch broccoli until soft
- In a pan, melt butter and mix in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.
- Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Heat the mixture until it begins to thicken. Stir often to avoid burning. Remove from heat.
6. Mix in salt and pepper and then slowly whisk in mozzarella and parmesan cheese
7. Combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken and sauce together.
8. Place in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle additional parmesan over the top of the casserole
9. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly browned
10. Serve warm with freshly topped parsley for a garnish
Variations
- Add frozen peas instead of broccoli. Just mix them in still frozen.
- Use leftover turkey or try leftover ham
- Add cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Sprinkle a bit of cheddar over the top along with the parmesan
- For a bit of a kick, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce
Tips for Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake
- Taste the sauce and add a bit of additional salt and pepper if needed
- Feel free to double the alfredo sauce if you want a really creamy and cheesy baked pasta!
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven
- If you want the top browned even more, put the baked casserole dish under the broiler for just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn!
To make ahead of time
- To make ahead of time, make the alfredo sauce with an additional ¾ cup of milk. The extra milk will help prevent the casserole from drying out while baking for a longer duration.
- Prepare the casserole, cover and refrigerate.
- Bake covered with foil in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes. Remove cover and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until fully heated through.
How to serve this chicken broccoli alfredo bake
Serve this tasty casserole right out of the casserole dish. Make certain you place a trivet under the dish to protect the table or counter and you may also want to have a hot pad to hold the dish since it will be hot.
Serve with your favorite green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette and garlic croutons, and some homemade breadsticks.
How to store leftover chicken broccoli alfredo casserole
Leftovers should be covered and refrigerated and used within 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave safe bowl and heat for 60-90 seconds until heated through.
Can you freeze chicken alfredo broccoli bake?
This casserole does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce.
Frequently asked questions
Portion out a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a paper towel. Microwave for one minute. Stir and return to microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds.
More casserole dishes
- Baked chicken and rice
- Chicken fajita casserole
- Cheesy baked pasta
- Beef enchilada casserole
- Green chile chicken and rice
- Chicken broccoli and rice
- Ham and scalloped potatoes
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my main dish recipes!
Chicken Alfredo Broccoli Bake
Equipment
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- 9 x 13" Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 cups broccoli (cut into bite sized pieces)
- 3 tablespoon salted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup half and half cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (cubed)
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese (shredded, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook pasta till al dente or until it's how you like your pasta1 pound rigatoni pasta
- Steam broccoli until soft2 cups broccoli
- In a pan, melt butter and mix in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes over medium heat.3 tablespoon salted butter, 3 tablespoons flour
- Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds1 clove garlic
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Heat mixture until it begins to thicken. Stir often to avoid burning. Remove from heat.2 ½ cups milk, 1 cup half and half cream
- Mix in salt and pepper and then slowly whisk in mozzarella and parmesan cheese½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ½ cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken and sauce together.2 cups cooked chicken
- Place in a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle additional parmesan over the top of casserole¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through and the top is slightly browned
- Serve warm with freshly topped parsley for a garnish
Notes
- Taste sauce and add a bit of additional salt and pepper if needed
- Feel free to double the alfredo sauce if you want a really creamy and cheesy baked pasta!
- Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F oven
- If you want the top browned even more, put the baked casserole dish under the broiler for just a few minutes. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn!
- Add frozen peas instead of broccoli. Just mix them in still frozen.
- Use leftover turkey or try leftover ham
- Add cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Sprinkle a bit of cheddar over the top along with the parmesan
- For a bit of a kick, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the alfredo sauce
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Helena says
I made this last night and it was very good! Will be adding to my rotation! Thank you!
A tip for beginners: you have to use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, not the pre-grated or powder types, otherwise the texture will be a bit gritty due to the cellulose coating in the latter formats of parmesan.
Kathy says
Hi Helena,
Thanks so much! I appreciate your tip! It does make a huge difference! 🙂
Kathy
Quincy says
Honestly, it’s pretty good. Although I recommend adding extra flour if you like a thicker sauce. I really like mine saucier so I doubled the sauce and kept the other amounts the same.
Kathy says
Thanks for your suggestion.
Suzanne says
Question - is there a way to make this less "creamy" and a bit more of the olive oil sauce? I am making it for a party...thanks
Kathy says
Hi Suzanne,
You might try making an olive oil alfredo sauce to try. Since I have never made one before, I don't have a recipe (I did a quick Google search and there's plenty out there) and am not certain if that's what you're looking for.
Hope that helps,
Kathy
Sue says
Cann this be done in a slow cooker? We want to do it before fall but it's too hot here to bake. Lol
Kathy says
Hi Sue,
I'm afraid I haven't made this in a slow cooker before so I don't know how it would turn out. I know what you mean about it being too hot to turn on the oven. No extra heat needed in the house right now!
Kathy 🙂
Sue says
Breaking up with I just might have to try that in the Crock-Pot just to see where I come up with if it turns out well I'll let you know and thanks for replying
Stephanie Turgeon says
Does this reheat well? I know with Alfredo it could separate.
Kathy says
Hi Stephanie,
It heats okay. I usually only reheat for leftovers and it has been fine for me.
Kathy
Brooke says
I made this and before putting it in the oven, I stuck it in the freezer. Any recommendation for how long to cook from frozen?
Kathy says
Hi Brooke,
You could pull out the night before and let partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You'll need to increase baking time by about 20-30 minutes. Check the temperature of the center of the casserole to determine if it's cooked through.
Kathy
Robyn says
This was SO good. Made a double batch for a high school girls' sports team pasta party and it was devoured. Yum! Adding it to the weeknight meal rotation. Made it the day before the party and heated in the oven before serving.
Kathy says
Yay!!! So glad everyone loved it! 🙂 Thank you so much!!!
David @ Spiced says
Oh this is a winning recipe for sure, Kathy! I love (love, love!) creamy pastas, so the idea of turning one into a pasta bake is absolutely calling my name. This sounds like an easy recipe that is perfect for chilly evenings, too! Do you deliver to the NC mountains? 🙂
Kathy says
Thanks! It's so delicious and cozy. Now about that delivery...