Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
For a satisfying one-dish meal that’s good for you, look no further than this chicken broccoli pasta bake. Combining chicken, broccoli, and pasta results in a flavorful yet healthy “chicken and broccoli pasta casserole.”
Chicken provides a lean source of protein while broccoli boosts this dish’s nutritional value with essential vitamins and minerals. Using whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta adds further health benefits. Cook the pasta until just chewy to ensure it soaks up the savory sauce.
This “chicken broccoli pasta casserole” bakes up into a meal that’s hearty enough to serve as the centerpiece yet light enough for a weeknight. Its blend of ingredients also makes it a kid-friendly dinner the whole family will love.
Your basic template calls for cooked chicken breast, broccoli florets, pasta, and a creamy sauce made of ingredients like milk or yogurt. Then simply layer everything in a baking dish and top with shredded cheese. The result is a “healthy baked chicken pasta” casserole with lots of texture and flavor.
For variety, substitute different pasta shapes or use a combination of chicken and vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. You can even make it a day ahead for simple reheating. Just be sure not to overbake so the pasta doesn’t become soggy.
Families will welcome the convenience of this cozy “chicken and pasta bake healthy” while appreciating the protein, fiber, and nutrients. With its simple ingredients and technique, this recipe for a “chicken broccoli pasta bake” achieves balanced nutrition that kids and parents can feel good about. Dig in and forget you’re eating your vegetables—this “healthy cream cheese chicken and broccoli” dish is that satisfying.
Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Broccoli: 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- Pasta: 12 ounces penne or your preferred pasta
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces
- Milk: 1 ½ cups
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Flour: 2 tablespoons
Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step by Step:
Preparation
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken and Broccoli
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Blanch the Broccoli: In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook off.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, creating a smooth sauce. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Reduce heat to low, then add the cream cheese and half of the shredded cheddar. Stir until fully melted and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
Assembling the Casserole
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
Topping and Baking
- Add Remaining Cheddar: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheddar layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Final Touches
- Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps set the dish, making it easier to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake warm and enjoy the melange of textures and flavors.
This chicken and broccoli pasta casserole not only exudes comfort but also retains a balance of healthiness, making it a quintessential healthy baked chicken pasta option. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake will quickly become a household favorite.
FAQs On Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake
What ingredients do I need for a cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake?
To make a cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake, you will need cooked chicken breast, broccoli florets, pasta (such as penne or rotini), shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), cream or milk, flour, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like paprika or parsley for garnish.
How do I make the sauce for a cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake?
To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add cream or milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Can I prepare a cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the pasta bake as instructed but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary to ensure it is heated through.
What are some variations of cheesy chicken broccoli pasta bake?
Variations of this dish can include using different types of pasta, adding other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, using different cheeses such as Gruyère or Parmesan, or incorporating spices like cayenne pepper for a kick. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese and milk, or substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein source.
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