Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that the whole family will love? Enter the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and nutrient-packed broccoli, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up dinner on a busy night, this bake is easy to throw together and guaranteed to please.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Before you start cooking, gather the essentials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts: For a tender, protein-packed addition.
• Pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen works here, just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Cheese: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives the perfect balance of creaminess and flavor.
• Milk and butter: For the base of the cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Substitutions and Additions for Customization

Want to make it your own? Feel free to experiment:

• Swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• Use low-fat cheese or milk for a lighter version.

How to Prepare Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this cheesy delight:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in a pan until golden brown, then shred or cube.
3. Steam the broccoli: Lightly steam the broccoli until tender.
4. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour, and slowly add milk. Stir until thickened, then add your cheese, stirring until melted.
5. Combine everything: Mix the pasta, chicken, and broccoli with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Bake: Top with more cheese and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prepping Ingredients Ahead for Busy Weeknights

Want to save time? Prep your chicken, steam your broccoli, and cook your pasta ahead of time. When you’re ready to bake, all you’ll need to do is assemble and cook.

Choosing the Right Pasta

The pasta you choose can make a huge difference in the final dish. For this bake, opt for sturdy pasta types like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. These hold the sauce well and bake without becoming mushy.

How Different Pastas Affect the Dish

Delicate pasta like angel hair or spaghetti can easily become overcooked, while short, thicker pasta types give the dish a hearty bite and better texture.

Why Broccoli and Chicken Work Well Together

Broccoli and chicken are a match made in heaven. Broccoli adds a subtle bitterness that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken. Plus, broccoli brings a big boost of vitamins and fiber to the dish, making it both flavorful and nutritious.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this a balanced meal that’s good for your health.

The Secret to Perfectly Cheesy Pasta Bakes

The star of the show here is the cheese sauce. Getting that creamy, gooey texture is key to a perfect pasta bake.

The Importance of Cheese Selection

For the best results, mix sharp cheddar (for flavor) with mozzarella (for meltability). Feel free to add a sprinkle of parmesan on top for an extra kick.

How to Achieve That Golden, Bubbly Top Layer

Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese on top before baking. As it melts, it will form a beautiful golden crust that adds texture to every bite.

Making It a Healthier Option

Love the flavors but want to cut some calories? Here’s how:

Tips for a Healthier Cheesy Pasta Bake

• Swap full-fat cheese for reduced-fat versions.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Skip the butter and opt for olive oil in the sauce.

Swapping Ingredients for a Low-Calorie Version

If you’re watching your calories, try swapping the heavy cream for a lower-fat milk alternative like almond or skim milk.

Variations of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

There are endless ways to customize this dish. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the Chicken

To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply skip the chicken and load up on more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Gluten-Free Version for Special Diets

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute to make the sauce, and you’ve got a gluten-free pasta bake that’s just as cheesy and delicious.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

This pasta bake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.

How to Store and Reheat the Bake

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing Instructions for Easy Meal Prep

To freeze, assemble the dish without baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.

Serving Suggestions

Looking to round out the meal? Here’s what you can serve alongside:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted veggies

Beverage Pairings for a Complete Meal

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold glass of lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake comes out perfect:

Overcooking the Pasta

Remember, the pasta will cook further in the oven, so be sure to boil it until it’s just al dente.

Using Too Much or Too Little Sauce

Finding the right balance between dry and soupy is key. Ensure you coat your pasta well without drowning it in sauce.

How to Get Kids to Love It

Even picky eaters will love this dish!

Kid-Friendly Tips for Making This Dish

You can cut the broccoli into tiny pieces and mix it into the cheesy sauce, so it’s less noticeable.

Making Veggies More Appealing in the Bake

Try adding colorful veggies like carrots or red peppers to make the dish more visually appealing to kids.

Perfecting the Creamy Sauce

Here’s the trick to getting that smooth, creamy sauce every time:

The Key Ingredients for a Creamy Cheese Sauce

Butter, flour, and milk are the holy trinity of a béchamel base. From there, you’ll add your cheeses and stir until melted.

How to Prevent a Grainy Sauce

Ensure you whisk continuously when making the sauce, and use fresh cheese for the best melting results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake

Why Did My Cheese Sauce Turn Out Watery?

You may not have added enough flour to thicken the sauce, or you used a high-moisture cheese.

Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish to prevent excess water.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead and bake it when you’re ready.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?

Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to maintain the best texture.

Conclusion

A Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake is a comfort food classic that’s both easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this bake will quickly become a household favorite. With its cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s the perfect one-dish dinner that delivers big on flavor. Try it out today—you won’t be disappointed!

Yield: 6

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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Looking for a wholesome, comforting meal that the whole family will love? Enter the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender pasta, succulent chicken, and nutrient-packed broccoli, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked to perfection. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up dinner on a busy night, this bake is easy to throw together and guaranteed to please.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Steam the broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Set aside.
4. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If using, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Make ahead: You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Substitutions: Swap the chicken for turkey, or use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.