This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a warm and cozy dish that’s perfect for any dinner. With tasty chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta all in one, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
You’ll love how simple it is to make! Just cook everything together, sprinkle some cheese on top, and pop it in the oven. It’s like a big hug on a plate! I enjoy serving this with a side salad for a nice balance.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne for their perfect bite and ability to hold on to the sauce. If you’re low on pasta, substituting with gluten-free pasta or even cauliflower rice works well!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add great texture and color. If you’re in a pinch, frozen broccoli can be an excellent substitute—just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
Chicken: Diced or shredded cooked chicken is key for protein. Rotisserie chicken is super convenient, or you can use leftovers from your last meal. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or diced tofu work great!
Cheese: Mozzarella brings melty goodness. If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, try substituting half of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar. Remember, the more cheese, the better!
Milk: Whole or 2% dairy milk works wonders for creaminess; however, for a lighter option, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk. Just watch for any added sugars!
How Do I Make a Really Great Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is the star of this dish. It’s easy but requires attention! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. This will thicken the sauce.
- Once your roux cooks for 1-2 minutes, slowly whisk in the milk. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth base.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Look for a creamy, velvety texture.
- Add your spices and half of the cheese while keeping the heat low. Stir until melted—this is where the magic happens!
Tip: Keep whisking to avoid sticking and ensure a smooth finish! If your sauce seems too thick, a splash more milk can help.
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz (340g) rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
For The Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Extras:
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 25-30 minutes of baking time. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig into this creamy, cheesy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes until it’s al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set them aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. After that, slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk until you have a smooth mixture. Cook and keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, lower the heat and add in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella until it’s nice and melted, then remove from heat.
4. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir everything together until all the pasta and broccoli are coated in that delicious cheesy goodness!
5. Bake It Up:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top, and if you’re using it, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese as well.
6. Enjoy:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and gloriously golden. Once it’s done, let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake!
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver. Just thaw it before cooking and make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a watery dish.
What if I Don’t Have Chicken on Hand?
No problem! You can substitute with canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option, or use leftover turkey or ham if you happen to have those. Just make sure whatever you use is pre-cooked since it’s only getting heated in the bake!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for a better texture!