Description
A cozy and wholesome twist on a classic comfort dish, this Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake features tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gluten-free pasta tossed in a creamy, dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from cashews and plant-based milk. Perfect for meal prep or a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta (gluten-free if desired)
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, then drained)
1 1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup plant-based mozzarella-style shreds (optional for topping)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Steam or blanch broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- In a blender, combine soaked cashews, sautéed onion and garlic, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, pepper, nutmeg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with plant-based mozzarella, if using.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Swap chicken for chickpeas or roasted mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free.
Add spinach or kale with the broccoli for extra greens.
Use unsweetened almond or oat milk for the best Alfredo sauce flavor.
Add more nutritional yeast for a cheesier taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
