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.

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat.

a recipe photo of the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

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

Add pasta; cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Reserve 1 1/4 cups of the cooking water; drain the pasta.

Melt butter in a large broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

the ingredients to make the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Skillet Casserole

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

Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Cook, stirring often, until a creamy sauce forms, about 2 minutes.

a photo of the broccoli cooked in the pan

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

Add 1 cup cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until melted, about 1 minute.

Add the pasta and chicken; cook, stirring frequently, until heated through.

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

Broil until the cheese is bubbling and browned, 2 to 3 minutes.

Top with Parmesan and parsley.

The chicken provides lean protein.

a photo of the baked casserole

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

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.

A standard cast-iron Dutch oven is a great option, as it can go from stove to oven.

We recommend a classic, heavy-duty aluminum 9-by-13 baking pan.

Nonstick and glass pans are not broiler-safe.

  • Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient.