There’s something almost magical about the dance of flavors in a creamy chicken Alfredo bake, especially when broccoli joins the party. The tender chicken and rich sauce, mingling with the crisp bite of broccoli, feels like a warm hug from a dear friend—comforting, familiar, yet always leaving you wanting just one more bite. After a long day, this dish is like your favorite cozy sweater, worn and treasured—perfect for those evenings when the world outside seems a bit too chilly.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a pot, cover them with water, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes until they’re fully cooked; then, drain and cut into small pieces.
- Simultaneously, boil lightly salted water in a large pot for the pasta. Add the penne and cook for about 11 minutes until it’s firm but tender. Drain the pasta once done.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, penne, Alfredo sauce, half the mozzarella cheese, milk, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir the mixture well.
- Transfer the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the Cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the oven for approximately 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.
Ingredients
- 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1 package (8 ounces) penne pasta
- ½ jar (16 ounces) Alfredo sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 2808 | Total Fat: 144g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 516mg | Sodium: 4158mg | Total Carbohydrates: 192g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 186g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 2322mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1500mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute penne with other medium-sized pasta like ziti or large elbow macaroni.
- What can I do if I only have half a jar of Alfredo sauce left?
- If using half a jar of Alfredo sauce, it’s a good idea to pour the milk into the jar and swirl it around to capture any remaining sauce before adding it to the mixture.
- How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?
- The chicken is done when it is no longer pink at the center and the juices run clear. This usually takes about 15 minutes of simmering after boiling.
- Is it possible to add vegetables to this casserole?
- Certainly, you can enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
- Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. Just ensure it’s covered to maintain freshness.
Tips
- To ensure the chicken is fully cooked and juicy, simmer it until the juices run clear and it is no longer pink inside, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
- When cooking the pasta, aim for an al dente texture by boiling it just until it is tender yet firm to the bite, which usually takes around 11 minutes.
- For a smoother mixture, swirl the milk in the Alfredo sauce jar to capture any remaining sauce before adding it to the casserole.
- Feel free to substitute penne with other medium-sized pasta like ziti or large elbows to suit your preference.
Equipment
- Casserole Dish (1 1/2-quart)
- Large Pot (for boiling pasta and chicken)
- Mixing Bowl (large enough to mix all ingredients)
