Introduction
Indulge in a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce all baked over pasta. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, offering a deliciously rich flavor that will please everyone at the table. With straightforward preparation and simple ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
– 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1½ cups milk
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
– ½ cup breadcrumbs
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Instructions for preparing this delicious chicken and broccoli pasta bake follow, leading to a cheesy, baked casserole that is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking when you finish preparing the dish.
Cook Pasta and Broccoli
In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the pasta and cook until it is just shy of al dente, which usually takes about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture and set aside.
Prepare Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it in, cooking for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5 minutes.
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the saucepan from the heat, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Add garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chopped cooked chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
Assemble and Top
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta and chicken mixture.
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
Cooking Pasta
Ensure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Broccoli Size
Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier serving.
Cheese Variations
Feel free to substitute different varieties of cheese, such as gouda or parmesan, based on your preference.
Breadcrumb Topping
For added flavor, you can mix in some grated parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Cook techniques
Cooking Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot before adding the pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente, then add broccoli for the last 2-3 minutes to ensure it’s cooked but still tender.
Making a Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk and chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth. Add shredded cheeses and seasonings to enhance flavor.
Combining Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. This ensures a well-balanced dish with every bite.
Breadcrumb Topping
Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl to create a crispy topping. This adds texture and flavor to the baked dish.
Baking
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly, usually 20-25 minutes.
Cooling Before Serving
Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or peas based on your preference.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or shell pasta are ideal choices as they hold the sauce well, but you can experiment with other short pasta types.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole grain pasta, low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables into the mix.
Can this recipe be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken and pasta bake, enriched with broccoli and a cheesy sauce, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a comforting meal suitable for any occasion. The contrasting crispy breadcrumb topping brings an added crunch to each bite, ensuring that it’s a dish your family will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Alfredo Bake
Swap the cheese sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce and include fresh spinach for a delicious twist.
Vegetarian Pasta Bake
Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake
Add buffalo sauce to the cheese mixture and top with crumbled blue cheese for a spicy kick.
Italian Sausage Pasta Bake
Incorporate cooked Italian sausage into the mix along with a marinara sauce for a flavorful twist.
Mexican-Style Chicken Bake
Mix in salsa and black beans, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican flair.
Pesto Chicken Bake
Substitute the cheese sauce with pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes for a fresh and aromatic dish.
