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### **5. Meal Prep Friendly**
This pasta bake is perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can make it, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready. It also stores well as leftovers and can be reheated easily for a quick meal.
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## **3. The Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake**
This **Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake** features a handful of ingredients that work together to create a well-balanced, flavorful dish. Let’s break down the key components and what they bring to the table:
### **1. Chicken Breast (or Thighs)**
Chicken is the star protein in this dish, and it adds both flavor and texture. Chicken breasts are lean and tender, making them ideal for this pasta bake. Alternatively, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. Cooking the chicken before adding it to the bake ensures it stays tender and juicy while absorbing the creamy sauce.
### **2. Broccoli**
Broccoli is an essential part of this dish, not only for its health benefits but for its wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor. When baked in the creamy sauce, the broccoli becomes tender while retaining some of its natural crunch. Its mild bitterness complements the richness of the sauce and balances out the richness of the chicken.
### **3. Pasta**
A medium pasta shape such as **penne**, **rigatoni**, or **rotini** works best for this bake. The shape of the pasta helps trap the creamy sauce, allowing each bite to be satisfying. You could use whole wheat pasta for a healthier alternative or even gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions are necessary.
### **4. Creamy Sauce**
The sauce is the heart and soul of any good pasta bake. For this creamy pasta bake, we’re using a combination of **heavy cream**, **cream cheese**, and **chicken broth** to create a rich and luscious base. The heavy cream brings a velvety texture, while the cream cheese adds a tangy depth of flavor. The chicken broth infuses the sauce with savory umami and helps thin the sauce out to the right consistency.
### **5. Cheese**
No pasta bake would be complete without cheese! **Shredded mozzarella** is the classic choice here, as it melts beautifully and adds gooey, cheesy goodness. You can also sprinkle **parmesan cheese** over the top before baking for an added salty, nutty flavor and a lovely golden-brown crust.
### **6. Seasonings and Herbs**
Garlic, **onion powder**, **salt**, **pepper**, and **Italian seasoning** round out the flavor profile of this dish. The garlic adds a savory aroma, while the herbs elevate the overall flavor of the bake. You can also add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** if you like a little spice in your dish.
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## **4. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake**
Now that you know what goes into this creamy pasta bake, let’s walk through the steps of making it at home.
### **Ingredients:**
– 2 large **chicken breasts**, cooked and shredded
– 4 cups of **broccoli florets**, blanched
– 12 oz. of **penne pasta** (or any pasta of your choice)
– 2 tablespoons of **olive oil**
– 4 cloves of **garlic**, minced
– 1 cup of **heavy cream**
– 8 oz. of **cream cheese**
– 1 cup of **chicken broth**
– 1½ cups of **shredded mozzarella cheese**
– ½ cup of **grated parmesan cheese**
– 1 teaspoon of **Italian seasoning**
– Salt and **pepper** to taste
– 1 tablespoon of **fresh parsley** for garnish
### **Instructions:**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This is the ideal temperature for baking the pasta bake, ensuring it’s perfectly cooked and bubbly by the time it’s ready to serve.
#### **2. Cook the Pasta**
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the **penne pasta** according to package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
#### **3. Cook the Chicken**
While the pasta is cooking, heat **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the **chicken breasts** with salt, pepper, and a pinch of **Italian seasoning**. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks.
#### **4. Blanch the Broccoli**
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the **broccoli florets** for about 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.
#### **5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce**
In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, add the **minced garlic** and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, add the **cream cheese**, **heavy cream**, and **chicken broth**. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and **Italian seasoning** to taste.
#### **6. Assemble the Pasta Bake**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and creamy sauce. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.
#### **7. Add Cheese and Bake**
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the **mozzarella cheese** evenly over the top, followed by the **parmesan cheese**. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
#### **8. Garnish and Serve**
Once the bake is out of the oven, sprinkle some **fresh parsley** on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta bake!
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## **5. Variations and Customizations**
One of the best things about **Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake** is how adaptable it is. You can adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations you might enjoy:
### **1. Make It Gluten-Free**
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many stores offer gluten-free versions of popular pasta shapes that will work perfectly in this bake.
### **2. Add More Vegetables**
While broccoli is a fantastic vegetable to include in this dish, you can add other vegetables for variety and nutrition. Consider adding **spinach**, **mushrooms**, or **zucchini** to the mix. Just be sure to sauté or blanch them beforehand to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
### **3. Use Rotisserie Chicken**
If you’re short on time, **rotisserie chicken** is a convenient and flavorful option. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the pasta bake. This is a great shortcut for busy weeknights.
### **4. Switch Up the Cheese**
While mozzarella is the traditional choice, you can experiment with different types of cheese. **Cheddar**, **Fontina**, or **Gruyère** would add unique flavors to the creamy sauce. A mix of different cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile.
### **5. Add a Crispy Topping**
For extra texture, you can sprinkle **panko breadcrumbs** or **crushed crackers** on top of the cheese before baking. This will create a crispy, golden-brown topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior of the pasta bake.
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## **6. Conclusion: A Deliciously Creamy Comfort Food**
**Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake** is a dish that combines the best of comfort food with a touch of sophistication. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, this pasta bake is a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and happy.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply for yourself, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of pasta, chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a flavor-packed classic, and the creamy sauce adds just the right amount of richness without being too heavy.
Enjoy making this recipe in your own kitchen, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients and variations to make it your own. Happy cooking!
