This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and pasta swimming in a rich, cheesy, homemade sauce, this dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This pasta bake reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 ounces (e.g., rigatoni)
- Broccoli: 3 cups fresh florets (about 1-2 heads)
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: ½, finely chopped
- Chicken Breast: 1 pound, cut into small pieces
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Flour: ¼ cup
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Milk: 2 cups
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Nutmeg: ⅛ teaspoon (optional)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, shredded
- Cheddar Cheese: ½ cup, shredded
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded
Directions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F. - Cook Pasta and Broccoli
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook pasta until about 2 minutes from al dente.
- Add broccoli during the last 2 minutes. Drain and transfer to a baking dish.
- Cook Chicken and Onion
- Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and onion, cooking for 5-7 minutes until chicken is browned.
- Make Sauce
- Add the remaining butter and garlic to the skillet; cook for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in flour and cook for another minute. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine Ingredients
- Remove skillet from heat and mix in salt, pepper, nutmeg, Parmesan, cheddar, and ½ cup mozzarella cheese.
- Pour sauce over pasta and broccoli in the baking dish. Stir to combine.
- Bake
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 540
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 37g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 906mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Vitamin A: 1021IU
- Vitamin C: 42mg
- Calcium: 449mg
This cheesy, creamy pasta bake is the perfect mix of flavors and textures. Serve fresh or enjoy as leftovers—this dish is a guaranteed family favorite!
The Appeal of Comfort Food
Comfort food holds a special place in culinary traditions because of its ability to evoke feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and satisfaction. The Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a perfect example of this, offering rich, savory flavors that satisfy both the palate and the soul. The creamy sauce, golden baked top, and combination of tender pasta with flavorful chicken and broccoli create a harmonious balance that appeals to all ages. This dish is particularly popular for family meals, where its kid-friendly flavors and textures make it a favorite.
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Broccoli
This pasta bake isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Broccoli adds a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and dietary fiber, which support immunity, bone health, and digestion. Combining these with pasta ensures a well-rounded meal that provides the energy needed for daily activities. Opting for whole-grain pasta can further boost the dish’s nutritional value, offering more fiber and a lower glycemic index.
Cooking Techniques for Success
To ensure the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake turns out perfectly every time, consider these essential cooking techniques:
- Undercook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta for two minutes less than the recommended time ensures it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy during baking.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Adding broccoli during the last two minutes of pasta cooking helps it retain its vibrant green color and slight crunch, preventing it from overcooking in the oven.
- Layering the Cheese: Incorporating cheese into the sauce and sprinkling it on top creates a double layer of cheesy goodness, ensuring every bite is flavorful and indulgent.
- Simmer the Sauce Gently: Gradually adding the liquid to the roux and allowing the sauce to thicken over low heat prevents lumps and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
Versatility of the Recipe
One of the best features of the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit different dietary needs or preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.
- Extra Vegetables: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional content and enhance the flavor profile.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or Gouda for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta bake is a meal in itself, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce. For beverages, a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling apple cider complements the flavors beautifully.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage
The Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is an excellent choice for meal prepping. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and proceed as directed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Why This Dish is a Family Favorite
This dish ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly meal: it’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and reheats well. The creamy, cheesy sauce appeals to kids, while the inclusion of broccoli and lean protein satisfies parents looking for a nutritious meal. It’s also a great way to introduce vegetables to picky eaters, as the cheese sauce helps mask the broccoli’s taste while enhancing its natural sweetness.
Conclusion
The Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a dish that combines the best of comfort food with the practicality of a one-pan meal. Its rich, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli create a satisfying and balanced dinner that’s sure to become a household staple. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or meal prep, this versatile recipe delivers every time. With its nutritional benefits, adaptability, and universal appeal, the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.