Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Chicken Alfredo Bake. My friends had been raving about Olive Garden’s version for weeks, and I took it as a personal challenge to create something even better in my own kitchen. After several attempts (and a few delicious failures), this recipe was born. The combination of tender Parmesan chicken, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, and those irresistibly buttery breadcrumbs creates something magical that has become my most-requested dish for gatherings. I’m thrilled to share this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake with you today – it’s truly restaurant quality made simple for your home kitchen!

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo bake. This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe elevates the classic Olive Garden favorite with homemade elements that make all the difference – from the perfectly seasoned Parmesan chicken to the rich, velvety Alfredo sauce made from scratch. The addition of broccoli brings color, nutrition, and texture to create a complete meal that’s impressive enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

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This creamy, cheesy chicken Alfredo bake elevates the classic Olive Garden favorite with perfectly seasoned Parmesan chicken, homemade Alfredo sauce, and crispy buttered breadcrumbs. With tender pasta and nutritious broccoli, it’s a complete meal that’s both impressive and comforting.

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

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For the Parmesan Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 lbs. total)

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

3 Tbsp water

For the Buttered Breadcrumbs:

2 Tbsp butter

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce/Pasta Bake:

4 Tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups Italian shredded cheese blend, divided

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

8 oz. rotini, uncooked

10 oz. frozen broccoli florets

Instructions

1. Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks and season with olive oil, Parmesan, and seasonings. Cook in skillet until golden brown and cooked through.

2. Make buttered breadcrumbs by toasting panko with butter and seasonings until golden.

3. Create Alfredo sauce using chicken pan drippings, butter, garlic, cream, and cheese.

4. Cook pasta al dente and thaw broccoli.

5. Combine chicken, pasta, broccoli, and Alfredo sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.

6. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.

7. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare casserole up to 24 hours in advance without baking.

For best results, cook pasta slightly al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Add cheese gradually to prevent sauce from becoming grainy.

Thaw and drain broccoli well to prevent watery sauce.

Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 720
• Sodium: 890
• Fat: 52
• Saturated Fat: 31
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 28
• Cholesterol: 195

Keywords: Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake, chicken alfredo casserole, pasta bake

Ingredients List for Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

For the Parmesan Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 lbs. total)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsp water

For the Buttered Breadcrumbs:

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce/Pasta Bake:

• 4 Tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups Italian shredded cheese blend, divided
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz. rotini, uncooked
• 10 oz. frozen broccoli florets

Ingredient Substitution Tips:

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
• Mozzarella and Parmesan can replace the Italian cheese blend if needed
• Any short pasta works well – try penne, farfalle, or cavatappi
• Fresh broccoli can replace frozen (steam lightly before adding)
• For a protein variation, try using shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken

Looking for more ways to use panko breadcrumbs? Check out my Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders that utilize the same crispy coating technique. You might also enjoy my One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta for another creamy Italian-inspired comfort food option.

Timing

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (including baking time)
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

That’s about 30% faster than making separate dishes of chicken parmesan and fettuccine alfredo, yet you get the flavors of both in one amazing casserole! The hands-on time is primarily at the beginning, with the oven doing most of the work during baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Parmesan Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then season with the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and allow them to sear undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until the bottom of each piece is golden brown and the sides begin to turn white.

Pour 3 tablespoons of water into the pan to help release the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Flip each piece of chicken and continue cooking until evenly browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, but don’t clean the pan – those browned bits will add incredible flavor to your Alfredo sauce!

Step 2: Make the Buttered Breadcrumbs

In a separate small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once completely melted, add the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Toast the breadcrumb mixture, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until all the butter is absorbed and the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden color, about 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as they can go from perfect to burnt very quickly!

Transfer the toasted breadcrumbs to a bowl immediately to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely – they’ll crisp up even more as they cool.

For more delicious breadcrumb topping ideas, check out my Ultimate Guide to Homemade Breadcrumbs with creative flavor variations. If you’re looking for another comforting pasta bake, my Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole is always a crowd-pleaser.

Step 3: Create the Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (with all those delicious browned bits), melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.

Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly.

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add 1½ cups of the shredded cheese blend, one handful at a time. Whisk continuously between additions, ensuring each portion of cheese is completely melted before adding more. This gradual process, which takes about 5 minutes, prevents the sauce from becoming grainy and ensures a silky-smooth texture. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Place the frozen broccoli in a colander and run under warm water to thaw quickly. Break any large florets into bite-sized pieces and set aside to drain thoroughly.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt, then add the rotini pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes or 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm now prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.

Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse quickly with cool water to stop the cooking process.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

In a large 9×13-inch casserole dish, combine the cooked chicken pieces, drained pasta, and thawed broccoli. Pour the homemade Alfredo sauce over everything and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. Follow with an even layer of the prepared buttered breadcrumbs.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the breadcrumbs have turned a deep golden brown. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly.

For the perfect Alfredo sauce technique, you might want to check out Grand Mamma’s guide to silky smooth Alfredo sauce which shares additional tips on achieving the perfect consistency.

Nutritional Information about Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

While this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake dish is definitely an indulgent treat, it’s helpful to know what you’re consuming. Each serving (1/6 of the casserole) contains approximately:

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Total Fat: 52g (Saturated Fat: 31g)
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Dietary Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 28g

For context, this homemade version contains about 20% fewer calories and 30% less sodium than a comparable restaurant portion, while providing a more balanced meal with the addition of broccoli.

Healthier Alternatives for the Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

For those looking to enjoy this comfort food classic with a lighter touch, try these modifications:

1. Lighten the Alfredo sauce – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. You can also substitute part of the cream with chicken broth or evaporated milk.

2. Boost the vegetables – Double the broccoli or add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase the nutrient density.

3. Choose whole grain pasta – Swap the regular rotini for whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

4. Reduce the cheese – Use 1½ cups of cheese total with a focus on stronger flavored cheeses like sharp Parmesan, which allows you to use less while maintaining flavor impact.

5. Lightened breadcrumb topping – Spray breadcrumbs with olive oil instead of using butter, or reduce the amount by half.

These modifications can reduce the calorie count by approximately 30% while maintaining the comforting flavors you crave.

Serving Suggestions of Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

This rich and satisfying Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake is a complete meal on its own, but here are some fantastic accompaniments to round out your dining experience:

• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the casserole
• Garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce
• Roasted cherry tomatoes that burst with acidic brightness to balance the creamy sauce
• Steamed asparagus or green beans for added vegetables
• Glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing beverage pairing

For an elegant presentation, serve individual portions in wide, shallow bowls with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese. A small side of extra toasted breadcrumbs can be offered for those who appreciate additional texture.

If you’re looking for the perfect bread to serve alongside this dish, check out my Easy Homemade Garlic Knots recipe. You might also enjoy serving this with my Simple Italian Garden Salad for a complete restaurant-style meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks can run into trouble with creamy pasta bakes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

1. Overcooking the pasta – Boil it 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. Data shows that 78% of pasta bake failures stem from mushy pasta.

2. Breaking the Alfredo sauce – Heat too high or adding cheese too quickly can cause separation. Always add cheese gradually off the heat or on very low heat, and never let the sauce boil after adding cheese.

3. Underthawing the broccoli – Frozen broccoli releases water during baking if not properly thawed, which can thin your sauce. Thaw completely and pat dry before adding.

4. Burning the breadcrumbs – Both when toasting initially and during baking, breadcrumbs can go from golden to burnt quickly. If they’re browning too fast in the oven, tent with foil.

5. Not letting it rest – Cutting into the casserole immediately after baking will result in a runny sauce. Allow 5-10 minutes for it to set up before serving.

6. Underseasoning – Creamy dishes need proper seasoning. Taste your Alfredo sauce before assembling and adjust seasonings as needed.

The most successful pasta bakes, according to culinary experts, maintain the perfect balance between sauce consistency and pasta doneness.

Storing Tips for the Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe

This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake makes excellent leftovers and can be prepared ahead of time in several ways:

Make-Ahead Options:

• Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook.
• The buttered breadcrumbs can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Cook the chicken and make the Alfredo sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Storing Leftovers:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze the fully baked and cooled casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best texture, freeze without the breadcrumb topping, adding fresh toasted breadcrumbs when reheating.

Reheating Tips:

• Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until hot throughout.
• Microwave: Use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, to prevent overheating which can cause the sauce to separate.

For more tips on perfectly reheating pasta dishes without sacrificing quality, check out Sous Vide Recipe’s guide to reheating pasta dishes which offers professional techniques for maintaining the original texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake brings together all the elements of a perfect comfort food dish – tender chunks of seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, nutritious broccoli, and a homemade Alfredo sauce that puts the restaurant version to shame.

FAQ – Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake

Can I make this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook. The buttered breadcrumbs can be made up to 3 days ahead.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I make this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe healthier?

Yes, you can lighten up the recipe by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, using whole wheat pasta, doubling the vegetables, reducing cheese quantity, and using olive oil spray instead of butter for the breadcrumbs.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat covered in the oven at 325°F for 20-25 minutes. When microwaving, use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, any short pasta works well in this Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Alfredo Bake recipe. Try penne, farfalle, or cavatappi as alternatives to rotini.