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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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