Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or any preferred shape)
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, toss in the broccoli florets. This will blanch the broccoli while the pasta finishes cooking, saving time and pans.
- Drain both the pasta and broccoli together, and set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Alfredo Mixture
- If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, Alfredo sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and ½ cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Pour the Alfredo, chicken, and broccoli mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Panko Breadcrumb Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil or melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This will give them a nice golden color and extra crunch during baking.
- Sprinkle the Panko mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a crispy topping.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- If the breadcrumbs aren’t browning to your liking, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g