Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With juicy bites of seasoned chicken and flavorful broccoli florets, this recipe is not only easy to make but also brings the best homemade flavor right to your table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is a weeknight hero! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 60 minutes.
- Perfectly balanced flavors with a creamy sauce.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please picky eaters.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers easily.
- Made with wholesome ingredients, promoting a healthy lifestyle.
- Versatile—add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch.
- Can be adapted to fit a gluten-free diet.
With options like Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake or a One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, you can satisfy every craving.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, oregano, parsley
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: paprika, garlic salt
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ lb. fusilli pasta
- 3-4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Step 2: Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
- Step 3: Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat it dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- Step 5: Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once a boil is reached, stir in salt and cook the pasta 1 minute less than noted on the package instructions. Add broccoli to the boiling water during the last 4 minutes. Drain once cooked.
- Step 6: In the same skillet, add the wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 7: Add butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 8: Add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Step 9: Gradually sprinkle in Parmesan and half of the cheddar until combined.
- Step 10: Add cooked pasta and broccoli, stirring to combine.
- Step 11: Incorporate the chicken and any juices, mixing well.
- Step 12: Transfer to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish if your pot isn’t oven safe.
- Step 13: Top with remaining cheddar. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 14: Uncover and add crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 8-10 more minutes. Serve!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Keep these in mind:
- Use dry white wine for added flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste for a personalized touch.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
This dish is perfect for dinner with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it as a meal prep option for the week, making it a quick Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake to enjoy at any time.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven until heated through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. This makes it a fantastic choice for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake?
The secret lies in the sauce! Creating a creamy base with the right seasonings elevates this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Dish to perfection.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it the day before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving for a fresh, warm meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake?
To avoid common pitfalls, don’t overcook the chicken or the pasta. Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat everything without being too runny.
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
– Add different vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a colorful twist.
– Substitute chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
– Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile, such as mozzarella or gouda.
This dish fits well within a Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake diet, making it versatile and enjoyable for everyone!
For more tips on meal prep, check out this guide on easy meal prep strategies.
For a deeper understanding of the benefits of broccoli, visit this article on the health benefits of broccoli.
Additionally, if you’re interested in gluten-free options, you can read more about gluten-free cooking techniques.
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Delicious Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake You’ll Love
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken and Broccoli Bake has a creamy cheese sauce with juicy bites of seasoned chicken and broccoli florets. It’s easy to make and has the best homemade flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups half and half
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, oregano, parsley
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: paprika, garlic salt
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ¼ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- ½ lb. fusilli pasta
- 3–4 cups broccoli florets
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F.
- Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and pat it dry. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
- As you continue with the following steps, bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once a boil is reached, stir in some salt and cook the pasta 1 minute less than what’s noted on the package instructions. Add the broccoli to the boiling pasta water during the last 4 minutes. Drain once cooked.
- As the water heats up, add the wine to the same skillet used to cook the chicken and set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, this will add more flavor to the sauce. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes.
- Add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Gradually sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and half of the cheddar into the sauce until combined.
- Add the cooked pasta and broccoli and stir to combine.
- Add the chicken back along with any juices from the plate and stir to combine.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish if your pot isn’t oven safe.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and add the crispy fried onions. Bake uncovered for 8-10 more minutes. Serve!
Notes
- Use dry white wine for added flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 658
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, Pasta Bake, Chicken Bake, Casserole