Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Penne Bake
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Penne Bake is a family favorite that never fails to impress. Originating from a beloved recipe shared by my brother-in-law, it's become a staple at our family gatherings and potluck events. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy Alfredo sauce enveloped in al dente penne pasta makes for a comforting yet satisfying meal. Topped with a generous layer of melty cheese, this casserole is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a delightful one-dish meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
8
Servings
400
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
1 (16 oz box, cooked)
Alfredo sauce
2 (16 oz jars, warmed)
Shredded cheese
4 (cups, divided in half (4-cheese Mexican blend recommended))
Broccoli
1 (bunch, cooked (large recommended))
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3-4 (seasoned to taste, cooked, & cut into bite-sized pieces)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease or spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, bite-sized pieces of seasoned chicken, cooked broccoli, warmed Alfredo sauce, and one half of the shredded cheese. Stir gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
5
Sprinkle the remaining half of the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
35g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Penne Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish casserole made with penne pasta, seasoned chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13 x 9 inch baking pan is recommended for this casserole.
What are the main ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include penne pasta, Alfredo sauce, shredded cheese, broccoli, and boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 27.5 grams of protein per serving.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this bake?
A 4-cheese Mexican blend is recommended for the best flavor and melt.
Does the chicken need to be cooked before baking?
Yes, the chicken should be seasoned, cooked, and cut into bite-sized pieces before being added to the mixture.
Should the broccoli be pre-cooked?
Yes, the recipe calls for one bunch of cooked broccoli.
How much Alfredo sauce is required?
You will need two 16 oz jars of warmed Alfredo sauce.
How much pasta is used in the recipe?
One 16 oz box of penne pasta, cooked, is required.
How much fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 20 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 35 grams of carbohydrates.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease or spray the pan with cooking spray before adding the mixture.
How is the shredded cheese divided in the recipe?
Half of the cheese is mixed into the pasta and sauce, and the other half is sprinkled on top.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is a family favorite and a staple for potluck events and large gatherings.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe was shared by the creator's brother-in-law and became a family staple.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to bubble.
Can I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
You will need 3 to 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and grains in one pan.
How should I mix the ingredients?
Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, sauce, and half the cheese in a large bowl and stir gently.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe falls into the One Dish Meal category.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include casserole, pasta bake, chicken, broccoli, alfredo, and comfort food.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
What texture can I expect from this dish?
Expect tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce with al dente pasta and melty cheese.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While penne is the primary suggestion, other short pastas like rotini or bowties could work similarly.
How much total shredded cheese is used?
The recipe requires 4 cups of shredded cheese in total.