Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

– 1 pound penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
– Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
– During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.
– Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.

2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper.
– Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. **Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
– Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
– Add the dried Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. **Assemble the Bake:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
– Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
– Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake!

If you have any other specific requests or need further assistance, feel free to ask!