Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli baked alfredo delivers comfort on a plate with rich, cheesy goodness. Pasta lovers will savor this classic Italian-American casserole that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300 g) chicken, cooked and shredded or diced
- 2 cups (150 g) broccoli florets, steamed
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 mL) heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and anoint a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent adhesion.
- Pasta Transformation: Immerse pasta in a salted water cascade, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for future integration.
- Vegetable Preparation: Steam broccoli florets until achieving a vibrant emerald hue and crisp-tender texture, roughly 4-5 minutes. Reserve momentarily.
- Sauce Construction: In a simmering saucepan, melt butter and introduce minced garlic. Whisk in flour to create a silky roux, then gradually blend cream, whisking consistently to eliminate potential lumps.
- Flavor Enrichment: Fold Parmesan cheese into the thickening sauce, seasoning with nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Allow the mixture to develop a velvety consistency that elegantly coats a spoon.
- Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooked pasta, tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and the luxurious Alfredo sauce in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each component is lavishly coated.
- Baking Ritual: Transfer the culinary composition to the prepared baking dish, crowning it with an even layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Slide into the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until achieving a golden, effervescent surface.
- Presentation: Withdraw the casserole from the oven and allow a brief moment of rest. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a final flourish of color and aromatic freshness before serving.
Notes
- Preserve Al Dente Texture: Cook pasta just until firm to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring each pasta strand maintains its delightful bite.
- Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk cream slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, creating a smooth Alfredo that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too thick or thin.
- Prevent Broccoli Overcooking: Steam broccoli precisely 4-5 minutes to maintain vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture, avoiding mushy or discolored florets that diminish dish appeal.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ingredients for gluten-free or low-carb variations – use cauliflower instead of pasta, replace wheat flour with almond flour, and select lactose-free cheese options for adaptable meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg