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Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a rich homemade cheese sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)

Cheese Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping (Optional)

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole later. This step ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for a consistent golden crust.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-12 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm while preparing other components.
  3. Prepare Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  4. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Make Roux: Using the same skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  7. Season Sauce: Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, and reduce the heat to low to prepare for adding cheese.
  8. Add Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until cheeses melt completely and sauce is smooth.
  9. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and gently stir to coat all ingredients evenly.
  10. Assemble Bake: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
  12. Rest and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to settle and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • To avoid a grainy cheese sauce, keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir constantly until fully melted.
  • You can swap broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for variation.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to adapt to dietary preferences.
  • Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated well.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta bake, broccoli pasta bake, cheesy chicken casserole, baked pasta recipe, family dinner ideas

Find it online: https://maicook.com/creamy-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-bake-recipe/