This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta, all baked with a creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
What I love most is how easy it is to make! Just mix everything together, top it with cheese, and let the oven do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fusilli or rotini works well as they hold the sauce nicely. If you need a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for this dish, but frozen broccoli florets are a quick alternative! Just slightly thaw before adding. You can also use other veggies like cauliflower or spinach if you prefer.
Chicken: Chicken breasts are great, but thighs work too for a more flavorful option. Leftover rotisserie chicken will save you time in cooking! You can also make this dish vegetarian by using hearty mushrooms or chickpeas.
Cheese: I love a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for maximum gooeyness, but you can swap in any cheese you like. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add a nice twist. Vegan cheese alternatives will also work if you’re dairy-free.
How Do I Make a Smooth Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is a key part of this recipe, and getting it silky smooth is easy with the right technique. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, which helps to thicken the sauce.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook it for a minute or two until it’s lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens—this should take about 5 minutes!
- Finally, stir in the cheese until it’s fully melted and integrated into the sauce.
Personal tip: If your sauce is too thick, just add a splash more milk to loosen it up. This will ensure that everything coats nicely when you mix it with the pasta!
How to Make Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 300g pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella and/or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake will take around 15 minutes to prepare, followed by about 20-25 minutes in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 40-45 minutes before it’s ready to serve. The result is a comforting, tasty meal that your family will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures it’s ready when your pasta bake is assembled!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta following the package instructions but shorten the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. This way, the pasta will cook just right in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Blanch the Broccoli:
While the pasta is cooking, in another pot, bring water to a boil to blanch the broccoli. Add the florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cut chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and thyme or Italian seasoning. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re browned and fully cooked. Toss in the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking to give it a lovely aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and is smooth, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thick, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese (reserve some for topping), salt, and pepper until everything is melted and combined.
6. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir everything gently to ensure even coating.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the combined mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheese and grated Parmesan for that extra cheesy goodness!
8. Bake:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Dive into your scrumptious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake!
Enjoy your creamy and cheesy masterpiece with family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative. Just make sure to microwave or thaw it slightly before adding it to the pasta bake. There’s no need to blanch frozen broccoli; you can mix it directly into your dish!
Can I Make This Pasta Bake Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added flavor. You can also incorporate chickpeas for protein!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or gently warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through.
What Can I Serve With This Dish?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. You could also serve it with a light vegetable dish to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the pasta bake!
