This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy dish that combines tender chicken, bright broccoli, and cheesy pasta all baked together. It’s creamy, tasty, and perfect for family dinners!
Honestly, what’s not to love about cheesy goodness? I often make extra to enjoy the next day—it’s just as delicious! 🥳 Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, making dinner time a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: Penne is great because its shape holds the sauce well. If you don’t have penne, use any small pasta like rotini, shells, or fusilli for a fun twist!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch and taste. You can substitute frozen broccoli if you’re short on time. Just thaw it before mixing it in.
Chicken: I go for chicken breasts for their lean quality. Thighs are also juicy and flavorful. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly, just chop it into pieces!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but feel free to mix it up! Try pepper jack for a kick or gouda for a rich, creamy flavor. If dairy is a concern, non-dairy cheese can work too.
How Do I Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is the heart of this dish and can be tricky. But don’t worry! Here’s a simple way to get it just right:
- Start with a roux by melting butter and mixing in flour. This thickens your sauce.
- Slowly stir in the milk until smooth, taking your time to avoid lumps.
- Keep stirring as it thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
- Add the cheeses a little at a time, stirring until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk.
Now you’re all set to combine it with your pasta, chicken, and broccoli! Enjoy your tasty creation! 🍽️
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for the sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around 45-50 minutes total from start to table. It’s a perfect meal for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) so it’s nice and hot when your pasta bake is ready to go in.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. With about 3 minutes left on the timer, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. Once done, drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkling them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked and golden brown, which should take around 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux—cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s bubbly and smooth. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove it from heat.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Stir in the cheddar cheese, half the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Keep stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of nutmeg for an extra flavor kick!
6. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and gently toss everything together until it’s all well-coated.
7. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and some extra cheddar cheese to make it extra cheesy! Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake! It’s sure to be a family favorite!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great in this dish. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in with the pasta and broccoli.
What Type of Pasta Can I Use?
Penne is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use any short pasta like rotini, elbows, or fusilli. The key is to choose a shape that holds the sauce well!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Just chop them similarly and sauté them with the chicken for a flavorful twist!