Short Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — this chicken and broccoli pasta bake delivers the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a homemade cheese sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 6–7 minutes. During the last 2 minutes, add the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Continue cooking 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add the Cheese:
Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the pasta, broccoli, diced chicken, and cheese sauce together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. For extra crunch, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly on top.
Step 7: Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Serve:
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich, family-favorite dish warm from the oven!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate in cozy, satisfying comfort food. The combination of pasta, cheese sauce, chicken, and broccoli is simply irresistible.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for a family dinner.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking. Add different vegetables, use different types of cheese, or even swap the chicken for ham or sausage.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.
- Satisfying and Filling: It’s a complete meal in one dish, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Add another serving of vegetables, such as steamed green beans or asparagus.
Tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality cheese: The flavor of the cheese sauce will be enhanced by using good quality cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Add some heat: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Prevent burning: If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. You could add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and sure to please. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this recipe is a winner!
Questions and Answers about this recipe
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.
Q3: Can I substitute the chicken for something else?
A: Absolutely! You can use leftover ham, sausage, or even cooked ground beef instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables.
Q4: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, feel free to use any short pasta shape you like, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
