Name: Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed; 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed; 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained; 2 cups Alfredo sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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If there’s one dish guaranteed to leave dinner guests asking for seconds, it’s the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. Imagine tender chicken, vivid green broccoli, and pasta shells, all enveloped in an ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce then finished with a golden, buttery crunch on top. This casserole hits every comfort-food note perfectly, but manages to feel special enough for a weeknight celebration. Whether you need a crowd-pleasing main or just want to brighten up a regular Tuesday night, the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping brings everyone running to the table!

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here comes the fun part: simple, honest ingredients that work together to deliver flavor, comfort, and color in every single bite. Each item has an important role to play in this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping, from the cheesy heart of the casserole to its golden, irresistible lid.

Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded or cubed, this brings plenty of lean protein and soaks up all the creamy Alfredo deliciousness.
Broccoli florets: Lightly steamed for bright color and a gentle crunch, broccoli adds freshness and balances the richness.
Pasta (penne or rotini): A sturdy, short pasta works best to capture the sauce and hold up in the oven bake.
Alfredo sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this silky sauce ties the casserole together with its creamy, slightly cheesy flavor.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the bake its irresistible cheese pulls.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Split between the casserole and the topping, it layers in nutty, salty flavor throughout.
Crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs: Create a golden, satisfying crisp that makes every forkful a textural treat.
Unsalted butter, melted: Helps the topping reach that perfect, golden crunch you look for in a great bake.
Garlic powder: Tiny but mighty—just half a teaspoon boosts the savory flavor profile of the entire dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste so every flavor shines.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping

Step 1: Prep and Combine Your Main Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F so it’s piping hot when you’re ready. In a big bowl, mix together your cooked pasta, chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, Alfredo sauce, gooey mozzarella, and half of your Parmesan cheese. This is the moment to sprinkle in your garlic powder and season everything with salt and pepper, giving the mix a quick taste to make sure the flavors stand out. Stir until everything is evenly coated and wonderfully creamy.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a swipe of butter or a quick spritz of nonstick spray. Pour your cheesy, chicken-packed pasta mixture in, and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it into an inviting, even layer. You can already see the makings of the ultimate Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping coming together!

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a smaller bowl, combine your crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese, then drizzle over the melted butter. Toss well, so every crumb glistens. Scatter this mixture generously across your casserole—this step is what will provide that unforgettable, golden crunch.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Place your casserole in the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells absolutely amazing, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the top is deeply golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven, not only to set, but so you can build anticipation before serving each glorious scoop.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of Parmesan right before serving. Both give an extra layer of color and a fresh pop of flavor that brightens up the richness of the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. If you like a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes—it wakes up the whole dish!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a light, crisp green salad or some classic garlic bread. Either option helps balance the meal and ensures everyone leaves the table satisfied. A simple vinaigrette or citrusy dressing can really cut through the creaminess of your main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant twist, try serving the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping in individual ramekins at your next dinner party, or use a round dish and slice it into squares like a savory cake. If you’re hosting a brunch, turn it into a breakfast casserole by adding a few scrambled eggs to the mix before baking—unexpected but delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly. The Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, retaining both its flavor and texture. The topping will soften a bit, but it’s still a treat the next day!

Freezing

This bake freezes beautifully. Assemble everything up to the point of adding the crispy topping, then wrap well and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual. It’s a great way to have a homemade meal ready for busy days or impromptu guests.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the topping crisps back up, usually 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine, but pop a serving under the broiler for a minute afterward to restore the signature crunch on top.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here. Simply shred the meat, making sure to avoid bones and skin, and follow the rest of the Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping recipe as written.

What kind of Alfredo sauce works best?

Both homemade and store-bought Alfredo sauces work well. If you prefer to make your own, a simple blend of cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan is perfect. Store-bought sauces make weeknight cooking even faster and are absolutely delicious in this casserole.

Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?

Definitely! Cauliflower, spinach, or even peas make great substitutes or additions. Just be sure any vegetables are cooked or steamed before adding them into the casserole to ensure they’re tender once baked.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

For maximum crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular crumbs, and make sure to evenly coat your crumbs with the melted butter before sprinkling them on. You can also broil the casserole for the last minute or two—just watch closely so the topping doesn’t burn!

Is this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping are all beloved by kids. Feel free to chop the broccoli into smaller pieces if needed, or let little ones help sprinkle on the cheesy topping before it bakes.

Final Thoughts

If ever there were a dish to bring warmth, comfort, and a little sparkle to your dinner table, it would be Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping. From its garlicky, creamy sauce to that legendary golden crust, this is a meal that never goes out of style. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your family’s favorites—it’s pure bake-and-share happiness!

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake with a Crispy Topping Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting flavors of this Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake topped with a crispy, buttery crust. A satisfying one-dish meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
12 ounces penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Topping: Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.