Name: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced; 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup milk; 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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If ever a dish could win over a crowd and warm your heart at first bite, it’s Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. Creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce hugs tender chicken, al dente penne, and fresh broccoli, all tucked beneath a blanket of melty mozzarella and a buttery, golden panko crunch. It’s satisfying, deeply comforting, and so simple to pull together, making it the ultimate family dinner or potluck star that everyone comes back for seconds.

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping plays an important role, from flavor to texture to that irresistible color. You might have most of these kitchen staples on hand, and together they create a casserole that’ll taste even better than your favorite restaurant pasta.

Penne Pasta: Holds up well to creamy sauces and captures all that cheesy goodness in every bite.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Shredded or diced for juicy, protein-packed heartiness; rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed so they stay bright green and a little crisp, adding freshness and color.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful base for the Alfredo sauce.
Garlic: Minced and sautéed, garlic infuses every layer with savory, aromatic depth.
Heavy Cream: Brings the signature silkiness and lush body to the Alfredo sauce.
Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough while keeping things perfectly creamy.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts beautifully for true Alfredo flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Adds herby notes that round out the dish and make it feel a little special.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every element, ensuring your casserole shines.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey layer on top, stretching delightfully with every forkful.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to that craveable, crispy topping no one can resist.
Olive Oil: Toasts the panko, helping achieve a deep golden hue and subtle flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your penne pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water. You want it just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This ensures the noodles won’t turn mushy later. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll want the oven ready to go as soon as your casserole is assembled, which helps the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping bake up perfectly melted and golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

Grab a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and cook until it smells absolutely irresistible, about one minute. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for five minutes to thicken just slightly. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and luscious.

Step 4: Mix Chicken, Broccoli, and Pasta

Add your cooked penne, chicken, and steamed broccoli right to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss everything together—each piece should be coated in creamy, cheesy goodness so the flavors are in every forkful.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Pour the saucy mixture into your greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over top for that fantastic cheesy layer. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until every crumb is coated—this is the key to the signature crispy topping on your Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping!

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The top should be bubbly and deeply golden brown, which means the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are perfectly crisp. Pull it out and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with parsley.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley over your piping-hot casserole brightens everything with color and freshness, while an extra grating of Parmesan adds an irresistible savory touch. For a hint of heat, try a touch of crushed red pepper—or a squeeze of lemon for a pop of vibrance.

Side Dishes

This casserole can be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette, garlic bread for sauce swooping, or simple roasted vegetables. The creamy richness is balanced nicely with something tangy or a colorful veggie medley.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping in individual ramekins or small ovenproof dishes—each person gets their own bubbling portion with the perfect topping. If you’re feeding a bigger group, arrange the bake in a buffet with extra toppings and sides for a festive pasta bar vibe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store in the original baking dish, or portion into airtight containers for quick lunches or dinners. The dish stays wonderfully creamy, and the topping holds its texture pretty well.

Freezing

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping freezes well! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then tightly wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, and you may need to add 5-10 extra minutes in the oven to ensure everything is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the top crisps up again, about 15-20 minutes. A splash of milk added before reheating brings back the creamy sauce. Microwave reheating works for individual portions, but the topping is most delightful when revived in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping, rotini, rigatoni, or ziti all work nicely since they hold the sauce well without becoming mushy.

Can I substitute frozen broccoli for fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw and drain the frozen florets well, and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in your casserole. You may want to steam them briefly for a brighter color and better texture.

What can I use instead of panko for the topping?

If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, as will crushed Ritz crackers or even crushed cornflakes. Each alternative gives the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping its own unique crunch!

How do I make it lighter?

To lighten things up, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, use part-skim mozzarella, and increase the broccoli. It’ll be a little less rich but still satisfy all those creamy, cheesy cravings.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything (hold off on the panko topping if possible) and refrigerate up to a day before baking. Add the topping right before the casserole goes in the oven for maximum crunch and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting casserole that’s sure to delight any table, look no further than this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. It’s rich, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with family-favorite flavors—plus, it’s just plain fun to make and serve. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. This easy-to-make casserole is a delicious combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta coated in a luscious Alfredo sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

Broccoli:

3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed

Alfredo Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup milk
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, then stir in cream, milk, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Mix pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the sauce. Transfer to a baking dish.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Mix panko with olive oil and scatter over the casserole.
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot.