This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, bright broccoli, and creamy pasta for a warm hug on a plate. It’s super cheesy and oh-so-comforting!
I love how easy it is to throw together! Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and relax while it bakes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni, penne, or ziti work perfectly for this dish. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try chickpea or rice pasta. Both hold up well in the bake!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but frozen broccoli is handy and can save time. Just make sure to thaw and drain it beforehand to avoid extra moisture!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are classic, but cooked rotisserie chicken can save time too. Shredded chicken or turkey also works great if you have leftovers.
Cheese: While mozzarella brings that gooey goodness, consider using a blend of cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but if you’re watching calories, use half and half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. For a dairy-free option, replace it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream.
How Do You Get Chicken Cooked Perfectly For The Bake?
Cooking the chicken well is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it without overcooking:
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. This helps to get a nice brown on the chicken.
- Season right before cooking, and only cook until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside (about 6-8 minutes).
- Don’t forget to add garlic near the end to prevent burning and keep its flavor fresh!
With these tips, you’ll have juicy chicken that complements your creamy pasta bake perfectly! Enjoy! 🍽️
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or ziti)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids and Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks. Set it aside while you get everything ready.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook it until just al dente—this means it should still have a little bite to it! In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli together, then set them aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken:
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until they’re golden and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remember to add the minced garlic in the last 1-2 minutes for extra flavor!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and chicken broth, warming them over medium heat until they start to simmer. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and smooth. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
5. Mix It All Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, sautéed chicken, and creamy sauce. Give it all a good stir, then mix in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese so it’s all deliciously combined!
6. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, covering it all beautifully.
7. Bake It Up!
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell irresistible!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you wish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Your creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is ready! Serve it warm and enjoy a comforting meal with family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw it beforehand and drain any excess water. This prevents your dish from becoming watery during baking.
Can I Make This Pasta Bake Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta bake a day in advance. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What Should I Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for added crunch. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.