Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to prepare, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients
- Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
- Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Sauce:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli : Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until it’s just tender. In the final couple of minutes, toss in the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and the prepared sauce. Mix well to coat evenly. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Bake : Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
- Cook in the Oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to bubble. For a crispy, golden crust on top, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve : Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients. It’s a surefire way to bring comfort and smiles to your dinner table. Serve it as a main dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
A creamy, cheesy pasta bake loaded with chicken and broccoli, perfect for cozy dinners.
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (cubed)
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce:
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Preheat Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli : Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until it’s just tender. In the final couple of minutes, toss in the broccoli florets and cook until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain both the pasta and broccoli, and set them aside.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook, stirring frequently, for about a minute until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients : In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and the prepared sauce. Mix well to coat evenly. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Assemble the Bake : Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan.
- Cook in the Oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to bubble. For a crispy, golden crust on top, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve : Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.