Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

4.7
(3)
3 Reviews

This delightful one-skillet cheesy chicken Alfredo casserole combines penne pasta, tender broccoli and shredded rotisserie chicken smothered in a creamy sauce. To simplify the sauce, we opt for a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend. Though cheese blends vary, they typically contain Parmesan cheese, imparting the traditional Alfredo flavor. Seek blends with aged cheeses or blends that include sharp cheeses like provolone or Asiago for a richer flavor profile.

By
Amanda Stanfield
Amanda Stanfield Headshot
Amanda Stanfield

Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on May 14, 2024
Tested by
Catherine Jessee
Catherine Jessee
Tested by Catherine Jessee

Catherine Jessee is a test kitchen assistant at the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She has tested recipes for brands including Allrecipes, EatingWell, Food & Wine, Real Simple, People and Southern Living.

Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen
Reviewed by Dietitian
Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
Emily Lachtrupp Headshot
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD

Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
a recipe photo of the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole
Photo:

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Protein Egg-Free
the ingredients to make the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Ingredients

  • 4 cups whole-wheat penne (about 10 ounces)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

  • 6 cups small fresh broccoli florets

  • 1/2 cup lower-sodium chicken broth

  • 3/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese (6 ounces), cubed

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided

  • 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Directions

  1. Position oven rack 6 inches from heat source; preheat broiler. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes. Reserve 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water; drain the pasta.

  2. Melt butter in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broccoli and broth; cover and cook, undisturbed, until the broccoli is tender and bright green, 3 to 4 minutes.

    a photo of the broccoli cooked in the pan

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  3. Stir in cream cheese, milk, the reserved cooking water, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Cook, stirring often, until a creamy sauce forms, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until melted, about 1 minute. Add the pasta and chicken; cook, stirring frequently, until heated through. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

    a photo of the ingredients put together in a pan with cheese being sprinkled on top

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  4. Broil until the cheese is bubbling and browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with Parmesan and parsley.

    a photo of the baked casserole

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups

Calories 515, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 116mg, Carbohydrates 46g, Total Sugars 5g, Added Sugars 0g, Protein 40g, Fiber 7g, Sodium 713mg, Potassium 567mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is this casserole healthy?

    This casserole offers lots of nutrition in one skillet. The chicken provides lean protein. The cheese and milk also add protein, as well as calcium and other vitamins and minerals. The broccoli, whole-wheat penne and onion all add fiber, vitamins and minerals. Altogether, this casserole will fill you up and keep you satisfied. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to add protein to a meal, but if you’re watching your sodium intake you may want to make your own roast chicken at home.

  • What should I serve with Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole?

    Depending on how many people will be around the table for dinner, this casserole is a substantial meal with everything covered—protein, vegetables and starch. A tossed salad with a light dressing or a Caesar salad would be a refreshing addition, and hot breadsticks or rolls are always a crowd-pleaser.

  • What can I use if I don’t have a broiler-safe skillet?

    We suggest cooking this casserole in a broiler-safe skillet to save you a step between cooking on the stove and finishing under the broiler. A standard cast-iron Dutch oven is a great option, as it can go from stove to oven. If you have an enameled Dutch oven, check your owner’s manual to see if your model is broiler safe. If you don’t have access to a broiler-safe skillet or Dutch oven, we suggest transferring the casserole (after Step 3) to a broiler-safe metal pan that can withstand the high 550°F temperature of the broiler. We recommend a classic, heavy-duty aluminum 9-by-13 baking pan. Nonstick and glass pans are not broiler-safe.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, May 2024

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