Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake - Easy Dinner Recipe for Winter

When the temps drop and you’re craving something warm, cozy, and satisfying, there’s nothing like a bubbling casserole straight out of the oven. Enter: Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake—the ultimate mash-up of creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli in one pan. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent, yet lightened up so you can actually enjoy it on repeat without the food coma.

Here’s the scoop: this dish isn’t your average Alfredo. Instead of drowning everything in heavy cream, you’ll make a simple sauce using broth and whole milk. The result? All the creamy, cheesy goodness you want in Healthy Baked Chicken Meals, but without that “I-need-a-nap” feeling afterward. Think of it as comfort food with benefits.

I’ll be real—this recipe has been tested within an inch of its life (seven times, folks). I tried every shortcut so you don’t have to stress. Rotisserie chicken? Works like a charm. Homemade sauce? Totally worth it. Jarred sauce when you’re pressed for time? Yep, that too. And FYI, it freezes beautifully, so double up and stash one for later—future you will be grateful.

What I love most? It hits all the boxes: Healthy Recipes Easy Chicken, protein-packed (over 30g per serving), and loaded with fiber from the broccoli and whole-grain pasta. Plus, it’s one of those Dinner Recipes For Family With Chicken that both kids and grown-ups happily devour.

Bottom line: if you’re hunting for Clean Eating Dinners For Family Simple Recipes that feel decadent but still qualify as Diet Friendly Dinners, this is it. Creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed, and family-approved. Call it a weeknight hero, call it one of your new go-to Easy Winter Dishes—just don’t call it boring.

Because let’s be honest… how often does one casserole check all the boxes for One Dish Dinners Easy, Easy Dinner Recipes With Veggies, and serious comfort food vibes?

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake - Easy Dinner Recipe for Winter

This creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake delivers cozy comfort in every bite. It’s hearty, high in protein, and just a bit lighter than your typical Alfredo thanks to a homemade sauce. Best of all? It freezes like a dream—so go ahead and make a second one for another night.

Author: Aleda | Category: Dinner | Servings: 6

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes | 🍳 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes | ⏰ Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 oz (about 2 cups) whole wheat penne (I like Barilla; use Banza gluten-free penne for a swap)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small uniform pieces (roughly ½ a head)
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced (about half of a bird)
• 1 batch homemade Alfredo sauce (recipe below) OR 1 (15 oz) jar plain Alfredo sauce + ⅓ cup milk*
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning, crushed in your hand (or substitute with dried oregano)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

Homemade Alfredo Sauce (makes 2 ¼ cups):

• 2 Tbsp salted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (sub whole wheat or a gluten-free 1:1 blend)
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (skip salt if using jarred Alfredo). Cook penne until just al dente. In the last 2 minutes, toss in broccoli. Drain both together and set aside.
2. Preheat oven: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
3. Make Alfredo (skip if using jar + milk): Using the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour, whisk constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in broth and milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then whisk in Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix it all together: Stir garlic powder and Italian seasoning into the sauce. Add chicken, pasta, broccoli, and ½ cup mozzarella. Fold gently until everything is coated.
5. Assemble the bake: Spread mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan.
6. Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden top, switch on the broiler for 1–2 minutes (watch carefully). Garnish with parsley if you like. Serve warm.

Freezer Instructions

To Freeze (before baking): Prepare casserole through assembly step. Do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil (or use an airtight lid), label, and freeze.

To Cook From Frozen: Thaw in the fridge 24–48 hours. Bake as directed above (may need a few extra minutes if still chilled).

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