Dump and Bake Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Dump and Bake Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Noodle Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that’s both easy and flavorful. With tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and cheesy noodles, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
- 1 pound dry short cut pasta or egg noodles
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
- 4 ounces cream cheese, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Melt the butter in a 9×13 inch baking dish with high sides.
- Step 2: Add the cubed chicken to the buttered dish. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Arrange the dry noodles and chopped broccoli florets evenly over the raw chicken. Pour 1 1/2 cups of water gently over the top.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted cream cheese, heavy cream, whole milk, grated Parmesan, and additional Italian seasoning to taste until smooth.
- Step 5: Evenly pour the creamy mixture over the noodles and broccoli. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top, then add a light sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Step 6: Cover the dish tightly and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the noodles on top are crispy.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving. Scoop and enjoy your comforting casserole!
Tips & Variations
- Feel free to swap the broccoli for other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a different flavor.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for extra warmth and depth.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot. This casserole does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dry noodles?
Yes, fresh pasta can be used but reduce the water amount slightly since fresh pasta contains more moisture. Keep an eye on the casserole during baking to avoid it becoming too soggy.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
Covering the casserole during the first part of baking helps cook the noodles evenly by trapping steam. Removing the cover towards the end allows the cheese to brown and get crispy on top.
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Dump and Bake Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Dump and Bake Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Noodle Casserole is a delightful and easy-to-make comfort food dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender cubed chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and short-cut pasta are baked together in a creamy Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan. Topped with melted mozzarella and a crispy golden cheese crust, this casserole is packed with rich flavors and a perfect balance of textures. The dish requires minimal prep—just assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish, bake, and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1–2 tablespoons garlic powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (divided)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound boneless chicken, cut into cubes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound dry short cut pasta or egg noodles
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
Alfredo Sauce and Toppings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, melted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking the casserole evenly and achieving a nice browning on top.
- Prepare Chicken and Seasoning: In a 9×13 inch baking dish with high sides, melt the 2 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the cubed chicken, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the melted butter and seasonings.
- Layer Pasta and Broccoli: Arrange the dry short cut pasta or egg noodles over the raw, seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Spread the chopped broccoli florets evenly on top of the noodles.
- Add Water and Mix Sauce: Pour 1 1/2 cups of water over the layered ingredients to help cook the pasta in the oven. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted cream cheese, heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add additional Italian seasoning to taste. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the noodles and broccoli.
- Top and Bake Covered: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the top. Add an extra sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor. Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes at 425°F.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and crispy, and the noodles are cooked to a tender consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a fresh, herbal note. Scoop out portions and serve warm.
Notes
- Use high-sided baking dish to prevent spillage during baking.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust garlic powder and chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- Broccoli can be swapped with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach.
- Make sure the pasta is well covered with liquid to ensure it cooks properly in the oven.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken casserole, Alfredo noodles, broccoli casserole, baked pasta dish, creamy chicken bake, one-dish meal
