This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a warm hug in a dish! It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy pasta that makes everyone smile.
Honestly, who can resist gooey cheese and comforting pasta? I love serving this with a simple green salad—it balances everything out! Plus, it’s an easy weeknight dinner favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape holds the sauce well. You can swap it for rotini, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer a healthier option.
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is a time-saver! You can easily substitute it with shredded rotisserie chicken, or for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds crunch and color, but frozen florets work just as well! Adjust cooking time if you’re using frozen to avoid overcooking them.
Cheese: Mozzarella is great for that gooey texture, but mix it up with provolone or Gouda if you want a different flavor. The cheddar adds extra depth, but you can skip it if you prefer.
Milk: Whole or 2% milk gives a creamy sauce, but you can use almond or soy milk for a dairy-free version. Just ensure it’s unsweetened!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll master it. Start by making a roux, which is just butter and flour cooked together. This is the base that helps thicken your sauce.
- Heat butter until melted, then whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to combine and prevent lumps.
- Let it thicken for about 5 minutes before removing it from heat.
- Add your seasonings and cheese, stirring until everything melts into a creamy mix.
Patience is key here! Stirring ensures a lump-free sauce, and gradually adding the cheese will make it blend smoothly.
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cheeses:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Extras:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep time and 25-30 minutes for cooking, so plan for a total of about 45-60 minutes. This includes boiling the pasta, sautéing the chicken, and baking everything together for that cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. For the last 3-4 minutes, toss in the broccoli florets so they cook until they’re tender but still crisp. Once done, drain the pasta and broccoli and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken (if not pre-cooked):
Next, if your chicken isn’t cooked yet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. After cooking, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 tablespoons of flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until you have a roux. Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking as you go, until the mixture thickens and is smooth—this should take around 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, mix in 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the cheddar cheese (if you’re using it). Continue to stir until everything is melted and creamy.
6. Combine Everything Together:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and the lovely cheese sauce. Gently mix until everything is evenly coated in that deliciousness!
7. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Pour the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that cheesy crust we all love.
8. Bake Away:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for a nice golden-brown top and a bubbly cheese layer.
9. Rest and Serve:
Once baked, let your pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Dig in and savor the warm, cheesy goodness of your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake! It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, feel free to use other pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions!
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No worries! You can cook raw chicken while preparing the pasta. Just heat some olive oil in a skillet, season the chicken, and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a little dry.
