Description
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with protein and veggies, then this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is about to become your new best friend. This dish brings together tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and pasta, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a full meal in one pan — perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you’re feeding a crowd. This recipe is a delicious way to sneak in some greens without anyone complaining, and the creamy, cheesy sauce is enough to make anyone a fan of broccoli.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% works best)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs (if using) for a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once the pasta bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a hearty and filling meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. If you want to lighten it up a bit, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 calories
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~30g