Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake – A Comforting and Easy Dinner
When you’re in the mood for a hearty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake checks all the boxes. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and comforting pasta, all smothered in a rich and creamy sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also versatile, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta bake combines the best of comfort food with the nutritious benefits of broccoli and lean chicken. The creamy sauce ties it all together, creating a dish that’s filling, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake, easy pasta dinner, chicken and broccoli casserole, comfort food recipe, family-friendly pasta bake, chicken broccoli pasta bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite type)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Broccoli
Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. Set aside. - Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes to form a roux.Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan until melted and smooth. - Assemble the Bake
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and pasta. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well-coated. - Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. - Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. - Serve
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Customization Ideas
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy sauce for a kick of heat.
- Swap the Protein: If you’re not a fan of chicken, this recipe also works well with ground turkey, sausage, or even shrimp.
- Make it Lighter: Use light cream, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to lighten the dish while keeping it creamy.
Why It Works
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting classic that brings together protein, veggies, and carbs in a single dish. The creamy sauce adds richness without being overly heavy, while the combination of cheeses gives it that satisfying, melty goodness we all crave in a pasta bake.
The dish is also easy to customize based on your preferences. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time, and the recipe allows for flexibility when it comes to pasta shapes or additional vegetables.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish even quicker to prepare.
- Pre-Cut Broccoli: You can buy pre-cut or frozen broccoli to save time on prep.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This pasta bake can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Chicken: Lean chicken breast is a great source of protein, helping to build and repair tissues.
- Broccoli: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, broccoli is a nutritious addition that adds a dose of veggies to your meal.
- Cheese: While cheese adds creaminess and flavor, it also provides calcium and protein.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is a great option for meal prep. You can easily divide it into portions for lunch throughout the week, and it reheats beautifully. Simply cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month.
Conclusion
When you need a simple, hearty dinner that satisfies both taste and comfort, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake delivers. The combination of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and cheesy, creamy pasta will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even serving at casual gatherings, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious.