This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and yummy pasta all in one cozy dish. It’s baked to perfection with a cheesy topping that’s hard to resist!
Honestly, it’s like a big hug on a plate. I find myself going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds—who can blame me? It’s simply delicious and super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne for this dish. They hold the sauce well! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try gluten-free pasta or a chickpea pasta instead.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is ideal, but frozen works too—just be sure to thaw it first. If you’re not a fan of broccoli, cauliflower or even spinach can be a tasty substitute!
Chicken: I prefer using chicken breasts for their lean meat, but thighs could work too, giving you a richer flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred it and use it in the dish.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices. If you want a bit more flavor, add some sharp cheddar or gouda to the mix. Vegan cheese can also be used for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Clumps?
A smooth cheese sauce is vital for a great pasta bake! Here’s the trick: Make your roux right by cooking the flour with the garlic first, which avoids clumps.
- Whisk in the milk slowly and keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
- Continue to cook the sauce until it thickens and bubbles—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring for best results!
This carefully made cheese sauce is what makes your bake so creamy and delicious!
Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 12 ounces rigatoni or penne pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 pound), diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried oregano
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish; this will help your pasta bake not stick!
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (just firm). During the last 2 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them. After that, drain the pasta and broccoli together, and set them aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and stir constantly for about 1 minute to eliminate that raw flour taste.
5. Add Milk and Cheese:
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook, while stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), ¾ cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and the dried herbs. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
6. Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce. Toss gently to make sure everything is nicely coated.
7. Bake:
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup parmesan and ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows everything to set a little. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your warm, comforting Chicken And Broccoli Pasta Bake!
Can I Freeze This Pasta Bake?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broccoli pasta bake ahead of time, cool it completely, and then freeze it before baking. To reheat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you’d like a meatless option, try using chickpeas, lentils, or even tofu as a protein substitute. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy cheese blend. You could also incorporate jalapeños or diced green chilies for extra heat!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!