Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly delicious Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe. This heartwarming dish features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy bechamel sauce.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or simply enjoying a wholesome, satisfying dinner with loved ones. Prepare to add this amazing pasta bake to your regular family meal rotation. You’ll love its simplicity and incredible flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
You’ll adore this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake for so many fantastic reasons! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for even the busiest evenings.
- Simple & Quick: Minimal steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
- Flavorful Comfort: Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh tastes everyone enjoys.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients for a truly balanced plate.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this delightful, satisfying, and hearty meal.
- Easy Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one convenient dish, simplifying your post-dinner routine perfectly.
This recipe truly makes homemade cooking a breeze for busy households.
Ingredients
Gather your fresh, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe. Using quality components ensures the best flavor in every spoonful.
- 1 head broccoli: Cut into small florets.
- 2 chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing chicken.
- 3 cups dry whole wheat pasta: Penne or spirals work wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is preferred.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk provides the richest texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A secret ingredient for depth.
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese: Shredded, for melty goodness.
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake to suit your pantry or preferences.
- Cheese: Swap Gruyere for cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
- Pasta: Any short pasta shape, like rotini or macaroni, works great.
- Vegetarian: Omit chicken; add cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein.
- More Veggies: Peas, spinach, or bell peppers are delicious additions.
- Milk: Use 2% milk for a lighter sauce, or plant-based milk for dairy-free options.
Equipment
Prepare your kitchen with these essential tools before you begin your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: Or similar size, for assembling and baking.
- Heavy-bottomed pan with lid: Ideal for cooking chicken and sauce.
- Large pot: For boiling pasta.
- Steamer basket: To perfectly cook your broccoli.
- Whisk: Essential for a smooth, lump-free bechamel sauce.
Instructions For The Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake.
- Step 1: Prep Oven & Veggies.
Preheat your oven to 220C / 420 F. Steam broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Immediately set the steamed broccoli aside. - Step 2: Cook the Chicken.
Flatten chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness. Place them between plastic wrap and pound with a meat tenderizer or wide cup. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
In a heavy-bottomed pan with a lid, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts; cook for 1 minute. Reduce heat to low, flip chicken, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Do not touch the chicken during this time! Turn off heat and leave pan covered for an additional 10 minutes. Remove cooked chicken, slice into bite-sized pieces, and allow to cool slightly.
The USDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat, as highlighted by Napoleon. Achieving a safe internal temperature for chicken is crucial for food safety.
This method ensures perfectly moist chicken for your creamy pasta bake. - Step 3: Cook the Pasta.
While chicken rests, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside. - Step 4: Make the Creamy Bechamel Sauce.
Gently warm milk with a pinch of salt until it just begins to boil. Remove from heat.
In a separate heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux, stirring for 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking vigorously until smooth. Return pan to high heat; boil sauce for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Turn off heat, then stir in nutmeg and season with salt to taste. This rich bechamel forms the heart of your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. - Step 5: Assemble and Bake.
In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, steamed broccoli, bechamel sauce, and 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Gruyere cheese evenly over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. - Step 6: Serve.
Remove the Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set. Serve this decadent, nutritious, and satisfying family dinner hot. You can prepare the pasta mixture in advance, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to bake. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfection with your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake using these expert tips and clever tricks.
- Moist Chicken: Don’t skip the resting step after cooking; it locks in juices effectively. Pounding also ensures even cooking and tenderness every time.
- Lump-Free Bechamel: Always add warm milk to your roux gradually, whisking continuously. If lumps form, use an immersion blender or fine-mesh sieve for a smooth sauce.
- Prevent Dryness: Ensure your pasta is only al dente, not overcooked. A generous amount of creamy bechamel sauce keeps everything wonderfully moist.
- Flavor Boost: Season each component individually (chicken, pasta water, sauce) for delicious layers of flavor. A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens the whole dish beautifully.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is fantastic on its own, but also pairs beautifully with simple sides and can be adapted easily for variety.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Storage: Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken and make the bechamel sauce a day in advance. Store separately, then simply assemble and bake when ready.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a pleasant warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux to accommodate dietary needs.
- Different Proteins: Try cooked shrimp, sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick change.
Nutrition
The Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake offers a wholesome, balanced meal for your entire family. It’s rich in lean protein from the tender chicken, providing muscle support. You also get essential vitamins and fiber from the vibrant broccoli and complex carbohydrates from the whole wheat pasta.
This dish delivers sustained energy, calcium, and comprehensive nutrients for a satisfying and truly delicious dinner experience.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just stir it in with the other ingredients during assembly for convenience.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake freezes exceptionally well. Assemble and bake, then cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
How to make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese into the mix, or sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving for a richer, more indulgent flavor.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or spirals are ideal as they hold the sauce well and stand up robustly to baking.
Conclusion
This comforting and easy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a winner for any occasion. With its rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s designed to bring joy to your dinner table without any fuss.
We know this delicious dish will become a cherished staple in your home for years to come. Give it a try tonight! We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your wonderful creations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 420°F (220°C). Steam broccoli florets for 5 minutes and set aside.
- Flatten chicken to 1/2 inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper. In a lidded pan, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken 1 minute per side, reduce heat to low, cover, cook 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit covered 10 more minutes. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Warm milk with a pinch of salt. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat, whisk in flour to make roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk. Bring to a boil, cook 1 minute while stirring. Stir in nutmeg and season with salt.
- In a 9×13 baking dish, combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, sauce, and 3/4 cup cheese. Mix well. Season if needed. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Feel free to use cheddar or mozzarella instead of Gruyère, add extra veggies like spinach or peas, and swap chicken for beans for a vegetarian version.
- This bake is also great for meal prep and freezes well.
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