Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo combines the richness of creamy Alfredo sauce with tender shredded chicken, broccoli, and rigatoni pasta. This baked dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, making it a delicious choice for a cozy evening meal. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a comforting, cheese-loaded pasta bake perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. This recipe combines rigatoni pasta with shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked together with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
INGREDIENTS
- Rigatoni pasta: 1 pound
- Rotisserie chicken: Shredded, from one whole chicken
- Creamy Alfredo sauce: 2 cups
- Fresh broccoli florets: 1 1/2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup, freshly shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Garlic powder: 1 tbsp
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni for slightly less than the recommended time on the package.
- Step 3:
- In the final 3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water.
- Step 4:
- Drain the pasta and broccoli well, then transfer them to a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 5:
- Add shredded chicken, Alfredo sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the dish, stirring to combine.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the pasta mixture.
- Step 7:
- Bake uncovered in the oven until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
- Step 8:
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve hot, straight from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a microwave or oven until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it before adding to the pasta water.
- Feel free to use homemade Alfredo sauce for a richer flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef’s Tip: To enhance the flavor, add a dash of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce.
Why You'll Love This Baked Alfredo
This baked Alfredo recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and comforting flavors, making it a family favorite.
Make It Your Own
Customize this recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a handful of spinach to the mix.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like penne or ziti will work well in this recipe.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the rigatoni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly for convenience, but feel free to make your own if preferred.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, adding more veggies like mushrooms or spinach will only enhance the flavor.
Summary
Chicken And Broccoli Baked Alfredo is a classic comfort dish that combines the creamy flavors of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of shredded rotisserie chicken and broccoli. Rigatoni pasta serves as the base, while mozzarella and Parmesan cheese add melty, cheesy goodness on top. This baked Alfredo is perfect for cozy family dinners, offering a quick and satisfying meal option. It's a one-dish recipe that brings together simple ingredients for a creamy, flavorful dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the next day, this dish makes weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.