Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo:

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred), cooked and cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ cup bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken:
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
   • Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for a few minutes before cubing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Steam the broccoli:
   • In a pot or microwave, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
5. Make the Alfredo sauce:
   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Assemble the dish:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, steamed broccoli, and the Alfredo sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
   • Add half of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and stir again.
7. Bake:
   • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Top with the remaining cheese (Parmesan and mozzarella) and breadcrumbs, if using.
   • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
8. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo!

This dish is comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. You can also customize it by adding other vegetables or switching up the type of cheese.