Ingredients
– 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
– 4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 pound)
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
– 1 (15-ounce) jar Alfredo sauce (you can use 19 ounces if you want more sauce for extra creaminess)
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1-Getting started with this chicken broccoli alfredo bake recipe is straightforward and fun. Begin by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF and positioning the rack in the upper third for even baking. This step ensures your dish heats through properly and gets that perfect bubbly top. For more details on the health benefits of chicken, check out this resource on chicken’s nutrition.
2-Next, boil salted water and cook 8 ounces of penne pasta for one minute less than the package directions suggest. In the last two minutes, add 4 cups of broccoli florets to the same pot to blanch them, then drain everything together. This method keeps the broccoli crisp yet tender. Once drained, transfer the pasta and broccoli to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
3-Mix in 2 cups of cooked chicken, the Alfredo sauce, 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish and top with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly, then broil briefly if you want to brown the cheese just keep an eye on it. For benefits of broccoli that enhance this dish, visit this guide. The total time is about 40 minutes, with 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Last Step:
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๐ง Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melting properties – pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents
๐ฅฆ If using frozen broccoli, add it during the last minute of pasta cooking to avoid mushy texture
๐ Feel free to substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli that hold sauce well
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 519
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
