Broccoli & Chicken Alfredo Bake
Tender chunks of chicken are nestled in a bed of penne pasta and crisp broccoli with a creamy lemon Parmesan sauce.
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 603kcal
Ingredients
- 6 ounces penne pasta about 1 ¾ cups dry pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets (bite size pieces)
- 1 pound pre-cooked chicken cut into bite sized pieces (about 3 chicken breasts)
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk (or regular milk)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon flavored salt like Accent (or regular salt is fine)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- rind of ½ a lemon
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup pre-shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (loosely packed)
- 1 tablespoon panko bread crumbs
- Black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 8 minutes. Add the broccoli and boil for 3 minutes more. Drain well. Return the pasta and broccoli to the now empty pot, add the sliced chicken and set aside.
- In a small bowl with a spout, whisk together the evaporated milk, milk, flour, half the Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Pour the olive oil in a medium saucepan and heat on medium until shimmering. Add the chopped shallots and sauté for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon rind and lemon juice; cook for another 30 seconds. Add the milk mixture, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the white sauce over the pasta, chicken and broccoli and gently fold together to combine.
- Lightly coat a 2.5 to 3-quart glass or ceramic baking dish with vegetable spray. Spoon the pasta mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top, then the mozzarella and panko breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Notes
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Nutrition
Calories: 603kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1114mg | Potassium: 733mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 745IU | Vitamin C: 62mg | Calcium: 437mg | Iron: 3mg