Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Imagine a bubbling dish of cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake, oozing with melted cheese and vibrant green broccoli. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table, as if it has a magnetic pull. creamy baked pasta dish This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. savory cheese pancakes easy chicken recipe

Now picture this: you’ve had one of those long days where you’d rather have a staring contest with your couch than cook. Suddenly, the thought of whipping up this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake brightens your mood. comforting pasta recipe The comforting flavors and textures promise to turn your evening around.

I remember making this cheesy delight for my sister’s birthday last year. The look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, adjusting according to your crowd size or appetite.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Choose bright green florets for the best color and crunch in the final dish.
• Pasta (Penne or Fusilli): These shapes hold onto the cheese and sauce beautifully; choose whole wheat for added nutrition.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor that melts wonderfully throughout the dish.
• Milk: I recommend whole milk for creaminess, but any milk will work in a pinch.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savoriness; you can also use fresh garlic if you prefer stronger flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano brings out the best in this comforting dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors; never skip these!
• Butter: For richness; it adds a lovely buttery flavor when sautéing ingredients before baking.
• Breadcrumbs (optional): For extra crunch on top; use panko breadcrumbs for an even better texture contrast!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare everything else. This ensures even cooking once you’re ready to bake.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until golden brown and cooked through—about 7-10 minutes. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

Add Broccoli and Pasta: Stir in fresh broccoli florets along with pre-cooked pasta. Cook them together until the broccoli turns bright green and tender—approximately 3-4 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: Pour in milk gradually while stirring, then mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. The mixture should become smooth without any lumps—your taste buds will rejoice!

Combine Everything Together: In a large baking dish, combine the chicken-broccoli-pasta mixture with any remaining cheese sauce. Make sure everything is well-coated; no one wants dry bites!

Add Toppings & Bake!: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top before placing it in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells divine!

Enjoy this cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake hot from the oven with your favorite side salad or crusty bread! It’s comfort food at its finest. For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your pasta until al dente, then sauté the chicken until golden brown. While that’s happening, steam the broccoli until tender-crisp. Mixing everything together in a baking dish ensures even distribution of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out chicken for turkey or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Consider adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor or switch up the cheeses based on your cravings.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience while maintaining that cheesy goodness.

It was during a rainy weekend that my friends gathered around to enjoy this dish. The laughter and compliments filled the kitchen as we devoured every last bite, making unforgettable memories over cheesy goodness.

FAQ

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

A mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a delightful stretch and flavor balance.

Can I add more vegetables to the bake?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach are great additions for extra nutrition.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish promises to delight your family and friends with its irresistible flavor profile and satisfying textures. Just imagine the golden-brown topping and the aroma wafting through your kitchen, inviting everyone to the table for a heartwarming meal.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for 7-10 minutes until golden brown.
3. Stir in broccoli florets and pre-cooked pasta; cook until broccoli turns bright green (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Gradually pour in milk while stirring; mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5. In a large baking dish, combine the chicken-broccoli-pasta mixture with any remaining cheese sauce. Mix well.
6. If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crunch.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg