Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

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.

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