Name: High Protein Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch paprika (optional); 1 cup full fat cottage cheese; 1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast (or rotisserie chicken); 1 cup dry orzo; 1 shallot, diced; 1 head broccoli, chopped small; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; Parsley and red pepper flakes, for topping

Why You’ll Love High Protein Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty, wholesome, and easy to prepare. The sauce gets its creaminess from cottage cheese, which adds extra protein without making the dish heavy. Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, which means less cleanup and more convenience. The combination of chicken, broccoli, orzo, and cheese creates a balanced meal that is filling, flavorful, and kid-friendly. It is also great for meal prep since leftovers reheat well.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
pinch paprika, optional
1 cup full fat cottage cheese
1 lb cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
1 cup dry orzo
1 shallot, diced
1 head broccoli, chopped small
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
parsley and red pepper flakes, for topping

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

In a high-powered blender, combine the chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika if using, and cottage cheese. Blend until completely smooth.

Add the cooked shredded chicken, dry orzo, diced shallot, chopped broccoli, and Parmesan cheese to the prepared casserole dish. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well to combine, making sure the orzo, chicken, and broccoli are fully coated.

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.

Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, and finish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Allow it to cool fully before storing in the refrigerator or freezer.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 5 servings.

Prep time is about 15 minutes, depending on how quickly you chop the broccoli and prepare the ingredients. Bake time is about 40 to 45 minutes total, making the full recipe ready in about 1 hour.

Variations

You can swap the chicken breast for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor. For a different vegetable option, try using chopped spinach, cauliflower florets, or peas instead of broccoli. If you want a cheesier finish, add a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top before the final bake.

To make it a bit spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the sauce. You can also use diced onion in place of shallot if that is what you have on hand. For a slightly richer Alfredo-style flavor, stir a small amount of cream cheese into the blended sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat from the fridge, warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. You can also reheat a larger portion in the oven at 350F, covered with foil, until hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results. Adding a small splash of broth or milk before reheating can help keep the casserole creamy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well and makes the recipe even faster to prepare.

Do I need to cook the orzo before baking?

No, the orzo goes into the casserole dish dry and cooks in the sauce while baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, but it is best to thaw and drain it first so the casserole does not become watery.

What does cottage cheese do in the sauce?

Cottage cheese creates a creamy texture while adding extra protein, making the sauce lighter than a traditional Alfredo.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I use instead of shallot?

You can substitute finely diced onion for the shallot with good results.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is ready when the orzo is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. The cheese on top should be melted at the end.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free orzo alternative and double-check that all packaged ingredients are gluten-free.

Why is my casserole too thick after baking?

Orzo continues to absorb liquid as it sits. A splash of broth or milk when reheating will help loosen it up.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this dish freezes well after baking. Cool it fully before storing it in a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

High Protein Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake is a simple and satisfying casserole that brings together creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli in one easy dish. It is a great choice for meal prep, family dinners, or whenever you want a comforting baked meal with a protein boost. With its easy preparation and flexible ingredient options, this recipe is one you will want to make again and again.

High Protein Alfredo Chicken Broccoli Bake