Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
Description
Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is a warm, comforting casserole loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, pasta, and a rich creamy cheese sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This family-friendly dinner is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Every bite combines creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and wholesome ingredients in one delicious dish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional Topping
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook Broccoli
Steam or boil broccoli for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until creamy.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce until evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Rotini and penne hold the sauce especially well.
- Fresh broccoli gives the best texture, but frozen works too.
- Rotisserie chicken makes preparation quicker.
- Breadcrumb topping adds extra crunch.
Tips for Best Results
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid softness after baking.
- Drain broccoli well to prevent watery sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings
Serves: 6
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Health Benefits
- Chicken provides lean protein for muscle support.
- Broccoli contains fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Homemade casseroles contain fewer preservatives than packaged meals.
- Balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
- Comforting family meal that can be customized with extra vegetables.
Q&A About Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, thaw and drain it well before using.
Q: What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, shells, or bowtie pasta work wonderfully.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers are great additions.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.