The Coziest Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

My kitchen experiments with a delightful chicken pasta bake often surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine perfectly.

Weeknight dinners can transform from ordinary to extraordinary with this straightforward casserole.

Creamy cheese melts into tender pasta while chicken and broccoli create a wholesome centerpiece.

Comfort food meets nutritious eating in this single-dish wonder.

Mediterranean influences shine through with herbs and robust flavors.

Let you dive into a meal that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Must-Haves

• Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Holds the creamy sauce and provides hearty base for the dish. Choose pasta with ridges to better catch sauce.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutrition and green color. Fresh broccoli works best, with crisp and bright green appearance.

• Chicken, Shredded: Main protein source for the dish. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creates golden, melty topping. Mix of cheeses provides complex flavor. Sharp cheddar adds extra tang.
• Sour Cream: Contributes creamy texture and slight tanginess to the sauce.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich base for sauce. Reduced sodium version recommended for healthier option.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances sauce depth and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Olive Oil: Provides base for sautéing garlic and adding smooth texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to sauce. Fresh garlic provides more intense taste.
• Thyme, Basil: Introduces herbal notes. Fresh herbs preferred for brighter flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing overall taste.

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Green Goodness

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Steam fresh broccoli florets until bright green and tender-crisp.

Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Craft Heavenly Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and gently sauté garlic until fragrant.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Dried thyme
• Dried basil

Simmer sauce until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and black pepper to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Create Magical Mixture

• Cooked pasta
• Chopped chicken
• Steamed broccoli
• Creamy sauce

Stir ingredients until evenly coated and well-mixed.

Step 4: Layer and Cheese Up

Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Spread cheese evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, typically 20-25 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow pasta bake to rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Simple Tips for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

• Shred rotisserie chicken or use leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and tender meat that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more colorful, balanced meal.
• Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the sauce and oven, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour-based cream of chicken soup to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth for a lighter version or reducing liquid for a richer, creamier texture that coats pasta evenly.

Broccoli Pasta Bake Storage Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Sealed properly, the chicken pasta bake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta reaches 165°F. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.

What to Serve With Chicken Pasta Bake

• Savor Complementary Flavor Companions
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to balance the creamy pasta's richness, cutting through the cheese and providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Match with Zesty Green Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the hearty pasta's warmth, adding brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted garlic bread with herbs to complement the dish's creamy texture, offering a crunchy side that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized flavor that echoes the pasta bake's depth.

Chicken Pasta Bake With Broccoli Swaps

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce and vegetable components.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta, cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and swap some cheeses with crumbled feta for a Mediterranean flavor profile with similar creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily swap out the pasta type. Penne, rotini, or fusilli work great and will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy sauce and combination of chicken and broccoli make this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to boost nutrition.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake That Satisfies Every Craving

Unlock Quick Comfort: Perfect Family Meal

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Minimal kitchen skills needed with straightforward instructions and basic ingredients anyone can manage.
• Satisfy Hungry Crowds: Hearty one-dish meal packed with protein from chicken, vegetables from broccoli, and cheesy goodness that pleases all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with turkey, adjust cheese types, or add extra vegetables to match family preferences without complicated modifications.
• Speed Demon Dinner: Total preparation and cooking time under 45 minutes makes this a weeknight winner for busy households needing delicious, nutritious meals fast.

Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Chicken and broccoli pasta bake delivers a comforting symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy cheese, tender chicken, and crisp broccoli create a hearty dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces or 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Liquids and Herbs:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundational components by cooking pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Simultaneously, gently steam broccoli florets to maintain a vibrant green color and crisp texture, ensuring they remain tender yet slightly firm.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce by gently sautéing minced garlic in olive oil until aromatic. Whisk in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, creating a velvety base. Enhance the flavor profile with delicate touches of thyme and basil, simmering the mixture until smooth and well-integrated.
3. Assemble the dish by combining cooked pasta, tender shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli with the creamy sauce. Thoroughly mix the ingredients to ensure each component is evenly coated and distributed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a well-greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer. Generously crown the pasta with a trio of cheeses – mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar – creating a golden, molten cheese topping.
5. Slide the prepared dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust. Allow the pasta bake to rest briefly after removing from the oven, enabling the flavors to meld and settle.
6. Serve the dish warm, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. The result is a comforting, cheese-laden pasta bake that promises to delight.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by seasoning chicken with herbs and spices before shredding for deeper taste profile.
• Ensure broccoli retains bright green color and crisp texture by briefly blanching instead of long steaming.
• Choose low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt or reduced-sodium cream soup for healthier version without compromising creamy texture.
• Create gluten-free adaptation by substituting regular pasta with cauliflower rice or gluten-free pasta varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg