This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken, bright broccoli, and pasta all smothered in creamy cheese sauce!
Honestly, who can resist melted cheese? I love serving this bake with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. It’s like giving the dish a cozy blanket! 🧀
Making this recipe is super simple. Just mix everything together and bake it until bubbly. You’ll have a tasty meal that even picky eaters will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne for this bake! It holds the sauce well. However, you can swap it out for any pasta you have on hand, like rotini, fusilli, or even whole grain for a healthier option.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a lovely crunch, but frozen broccoli works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before mixing it in!
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. You can also use cooked turkey if you have leftovers!
Cheese: Mozzarella is my go-to for the gooey texture, but feel free to use gouda or fontina for a unique twist. For a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheeses that melt well.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk is best for that creamy sauce, but you can opt for almond milk or oat milk if you want a lighter or dairy-free version.
How Do I Ensure the Cheese Sauce is Creamy and Smooth?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce is key to this bake. The roux (butter and flour mixture) is crucial. Make it slowly to ensure no lumps.
- Start by melting butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic for flavor. Keep it moving for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour to create your roux. Cook it for 1-2 minutes until it turns light golden. This step helps remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in your milk. The trick is to add it slowly while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until it thickens enough to coat your spoon—around 5-7 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the cheese off the heat, allowing it to melt smoothly in the sauce.
Following these steps will give you a nice, creamy sauce for your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake!
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Broccoli:
- 3 cups dry pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 40-45 minutes to get this delicious dish onto your dinner table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This will help prevent the pasta from sticking.
2. Cook Pasta and Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s just al dente. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets so they blanch slightly. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from heat and set it aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Keep whisking for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Then, slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth, continuing to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon—this takes about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine Cheese and Seasoning:
Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, the cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning to taste.
6. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss everything gently to ensure it’s evenly mixed.
7. Bake:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top. Bake it uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If you want, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid sogginess in your bake. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta, just like you would with fresh broccoli.
Can I Substitute the Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or swap it out for turkey, shrimp, or even cooked sausage, depending on what you prefer or have on hand. Just ensure that any pre-cooked proteins are heated through before mixing them in.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy, if necessary.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish, assemble it, and then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—it may need an extra few minutes to cook through if it’s starting out cold.