A Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. Here’s a delicious and easy recipe to make this cheesy, creamy pasta bake:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium breasts)
- 1 medium head of broccoli, cut into florets (or 2 cups frozen broccoli)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (or milk)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pasta water. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping. (You can also add a bit more shredded mozzarella or Parmesan if you want extra cheese on top.)
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If using breadcrumbs, they should be lightly toasted.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy chicken and broccoli pasta bake!
This dish combines rich creaminess with the savory flavors of chicken, pasta, and broccoli, making it a comforting favorite for any occasion.