🍴 Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake 🧀

Savor the Comfort: A heartwarming dish perfect for family dinners or a satisfying weeknight meal!

🍽️ Ingredients 🍽️
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

🧑‍🍳 Directions 🧑‍🍳 
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil the rigatoni as per the package instructions, adding the broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and keep aside.
3. While pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and Alfredo sauce. Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!

🍎 Nutritional Information 🍎
- Calories: 650 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 35g

💡 Tips and Tricks 💡
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and flour.
- Add a crunchy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and parmesan, sprinkling over the top before baking.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking for a ready-to-cook meal.

⏳ Preparation time 🍰
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Serving: 4

This Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Bake is a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the wholesomeness of chicken and broccoli, baked to perfection. It's not just a meal; it's a comforting experience that brings smiles to the dinner table.