This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a cozy dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and tasty pasta all in a creamy sauce—yum! It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep!
I love how good it feels to enjoy a warm bowl of this bake and know it’s packed with goodness. Plus, leftovers make a fantastic lunch for the next day—if there are any left! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using rotini because its twists hold onto the sauce nicely. You can swap it for any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options if needed.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli works great too! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.
Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover chicken. If you’re vegetarian, try chickpeas or tofu instead!
Cheese: Mozzarella is wonderful for its meltiness. If you want a stronger flavor, use cheddar or a mix of both. Vegan cheese alternatives can also be used for dairy-free options.
Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy sauce, but you can opt for low-fat milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat if that’s your preference!
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Creating a smooth cheese sauce can seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Start with a roux, which is just flour and butter mixed together. This gives your sauce a thick, creamy texture.
- Heat the butter in a medium saucepan until melted. Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes. Be patient and let it get lightly golden.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly. This avoids lumps! Keep stirring until it thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, add your seasonings and cheese. Stir until it’s all melted and lovely!
Now you have a delicious base to mix with your pasta and chicken! It’s key to taste along the way; if you want more flavor, adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (about 340 g) rotini pasta or other short pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake will take about 30 minutes of active preparation time. Plus, you’ll bake it for 20-25 minutes, giving you approximately 55 minutes to enjoy a cozy and warm dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot to blanch them. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring until it becomes lightly golden (this is your roux). Slowly whisk in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep cooking and stirring until the sauce is thick and bubbly, about 4-5 minutes. Remove it from the heat and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Finally, stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella until it’s melted and creamy.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, diced chicken, and your creamy cheese sauce. Make sure everything is well mixed!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top. If you like, add some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost!
6. Bake and Enjoy:
Pop the dish in the oven and bake it uncovered for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, serve and enjoy your comforting Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. This prevents excess moisture in your bake.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour for the roux. Everything else in the recipe remains the same!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What Should I Serve with Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more complete meal. Enjoy!
