Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick); 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2½ cups half-and-half; 4 ounces cream cheese (½ brick, room temperature); ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 ounces cooked rotini pasta (al dente); 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed); 2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, I’ve got you covered. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty but oh-so-satisfying. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce and baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, big impact: You probably have most of these pantry staples already, but the result feels like an indulgent treat.
One-dish wonder: Pasta, protein, and veggies baked together make cleanup a breeze.
Family favorite: My kids always ask for seconds, which is a huge win for getting them to eat their broccoli.
Customizable comfort: You can easily swap in different veggies or proteins to suit your mood or pantry.

The image shows a white plate with a serving of creamy baked pasta layered with pieces of chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and a thick white cheese sauce that is stretchy as a silver fork lifts a portion. The pasta looks soft and pale yellow, mixed evenly with the tender chicken chunks and broccoli, all coated in the sauce with black pepper sprinkled on top. In the background, a white baking dish with more of the pasta bake can be seen on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role in getting that creamy, cheesy Alfredo bake just right. Using cooked chicken and steamed broccoli helps everything cook evenly and keeps the textures just how you want them.

Unsalted butter: Essential for making the roux that thickens your Alfredo sauce without adding extra saltiness.
All-purpose flour: Helps give the sauce a velvety body when combined with butter.
Half-and-half: Creamy but lighter than heavy cream, it’s perfect for an indulgent yet balanced sauce.
Cream cheese: Adds richness and an extra silky texture to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Brings that signature tangy, nutty flavor that makes Alfredo sauce irresistible.
Garlic powder: A simple way to infuse savory depth without chopping fresh garlic.
Kosher salt: I like this because the flakes dissolve nicely and let me season gradually.
Ground black pepper: Gives just the right hint of warmth and spice.
Cooked rotini pasta: I love rotini here because it holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Broccoli florets: Steamed just until tender-crisp to keep their bright green color and snap.
Cubed cooked chicken breast: A lean protein that makes this bake filling and satisfying.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty topping that browns up perfectly for that golden crust you can’t resist.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo bake recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative and make it truly yours.

Swap proteins: Sometimes I use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut or turkey for a leaner option—both work beautifully.
Veggie boosts: Adding mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes brings new flavors and colors that make dinner more exciting.
Dairy alternatives: For a lighter version, try using whole milk instead of half-and-half, or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.
Spice it up: I occasionally sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce when I want a little kick.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your oven and pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 13×9-inch casserole dish. I like to use a little butter or non-stick spray so the cheese doesn’t stick—makes for easier serving and cleaning later!

Step 2: Make that dreamy Alfredo sauce

In a medium saucepan set over medium-high heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it’s golden and smells a bit nutty—that’s your roux forming and thickening the sauce. Gradually whisk in the half-and-half; patience here really pays off to keep the sauce smooth and avoid lumps.

Next, stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until everything’s melted into a rich, creamy mixture. Don’t rush this step—low and slow helps everything integrate perfectly. Finish with garlic powder, kosher salt to taste, and black pepper, then set the sauce aside so it’s ready for assembly.

Step 3: Combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, and sauce

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked rotini pasta (I aim for al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven), steamed broccoli florets, and cubed cooked chicken breast. Pour in that beautiful Alfredo sauce and gently stir until everything is well coated. This is where all the flavors marry and get ready for baking.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Transfer your pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top—you want a nice blanket that will melt and brown. Bake for 15 minutes, which lets everything heat through and the flavors meld. For that mouthwatering golden, bubbly finish, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Whisk constantly: When adding your half-and-half, whisk steadily to avoid lumps and get a perfectly smooth sauce every time.
Don’t overcook pasta: Cooking your rotini just to al dente before baking preserves the right texture and prevents mushiness.
Watch the broiler: The broil step is quick—keep a close eye to get that beautiful cheese crust without burning.
Use room temperature cream cheese: It melts faster and blends more smoothly, making the sauce creamy and lump-free.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

A close-up view of a white casserole dish filled with a baked pasta and broccoli casserole. The top layer is golden-browned melted cheese with melted spots showing a creamy texture beneath. Small green broccoli florets peek through the cheese on the surface. There are small green parsley leaves sprinkled unevenly on the top. A silver spoon is scooping some of the casserole from the side, showing layers of pale-colored pasta and broccoli mixed in creamy cheese sauce inside. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with some green herbs visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil because the pop of green adds freshness and a pretty contrast. A few cracks of fresh black pepper on top before serving lifts all the flavors beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

Since this baked pasta is pretty filling, I often serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple lemony arugula salad also pair nicely if you want some bright notes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to bake individual servings in small ramekins and top each with a Parmesan crisp or basil leaf for a restaurant-style touch. On family dinner nights, setting the big casserole straight on the table works perfectly—it’s casual, cozy, and everyone digs right in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I usually cover any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days. When cooled, the flavors actually continue to meld, making reheated portions just as tasty if not more so.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this bake successfully by using a freezer-safe casserole dish and covering it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—you won’t lose that creamy sauce texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well—just thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid extra moisture in your bake. Steaming frozen broccoli before mixing helps maintain texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

I prefer using leftover roasted or grilled chicken that’s already cooked and cubed—it saves time and keeps the meat juicy. You can also poach chicken breasts or pan-sear them with simple seasoning before cubing.
Can I substitute the half-and-half with milk or cream?

Absolutely. Using whole milk will yield a lighter sauce, while heavy cream makes it richer and more indulgent. Adjust the amount slightly to get the consistency you prefer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap in dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese options, but the flavor and texture will vary somewhat. Experiment with your favorite dairy-free brands for the best results.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the casserole dish?

Greasing the baking dish well with butter or non-stick spray before assembling the bake helps prevent sticking. Also, letting the dish cool slightly before serving makes scooping easier.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe comes together with such rich, comforting flavors, yet it’s approachable enough for a busy weeknight. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could feel so decadent, and my family goes crazy for it—especially with that melty mozzarella topping. If you want a dish that’s a warm hug on a plate and gets everyone asking for seconds, this is it. Give it a try next time you want an easy, delicious meal that’s true comfort food at its finest.