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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Stir in broccoli florets and pre-cooked pasta; cook until broccoli turns bright green (about 3-4 minutes).
- Gradually pour in milk while stirring; mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- In a large baking dish, combine the chicken-broccoli-pasta mixture with any remaining cheese sauce. Mix well.
- If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crunch.
- 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