Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this baked pasta is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a delicious dish to serve at a gathering, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta Bake:
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor depth)
  • • Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
      

      Instructions:

      1. Preheat the Oven:

      • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or coat it with cooking spray.

      2. Cook the Pasta:

      • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      3. Prepare the Sauce:

      • In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste, stirring constantly.
      • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
      • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

      4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:

      • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and the creamy sauce. Mix well to combine.
      • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

      5. Top with Cheese:

      • Sprinkle the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

      6. Bake:

      • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden. For an extra crispy top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes.

      7. Serve:

      • Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

      • Tips for Success:

        • Broccoli: Make sure to not overcook the broccoli before adding it to the dish, as it will cook further in the oven. Blanching (boiling for 2-3 minutes, then plunging into ice water) helps maintain a vibrant green color.
        • Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds extra flavor, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or quickly sauté chicken breasts or thighs before adding them.
        • Extra Veggies: You can sneak in more veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

        • This dish is a wonderful blend of textures and flavors—creamy, cheesy, savory with a bit of crunch from the broccoli. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!