Description
This Chicken Broccoli Alfredo recipe is a creamy, comforting casserole that combines tender cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and rotini pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic. Baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s a perfect easy dinner that serves 6 and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups half-and-half (room temperature)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick, room temperature)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces cooked rotini pasta (al dente)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 13×9-inch casserole dish and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter completely to start the roux base for the sauce.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture turns golden and begins to thicken, forming a roux.
- Whisk Half-and-Half: Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened without lumps.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and fully incorporated to create a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Season Sauce: Add garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to the sauce, then remove from the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, steamed broccoli florets, cubed cooked chicken breast, and Alfredo sauce. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat all components.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. Then broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for a delicious, creamy meal.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushy texture after baking.
- Steam broccoli until just tender to retain texture and nutrients.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and half-and-half for a smooth sauce.
- If mozzarella doesn’t brown quickly under broil, watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
