Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake

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Instructions: How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions, leaving it slightly al dente (it will cook further in the oven). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Broccoli

If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then cook it in a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil until golden and cooked through. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.

Meanwhile, steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s tender but still vibrant green—about 3-4 minutes in boiling water will do. Drain it and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux (a thickening base for your sauce). Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens—this should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and broccoli. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and stir gently to combine everything. Then, transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking to get the cheese nice and browned.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a simple side salad and some crusty bread.

Why This Pasta Bake Works So Well

1. Creamy and Rich Sauce: The creamy sauce made with butter, milk, and heavy cream adds a rich texture and flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and pasta. It’s not overly heavy, but still indulgent enough to be comforting.
2. Perfectly Cooked Veggies: The broccoli in this dish isn’t just a pretty green garnish—it adds a pop of color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the sauce. Plus, its slight crunch adds a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Cheese Galore: The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a gooey, cheesy topping that melts beautifully in the oven, making every bite of this casserole irresistibly cheesy.
4. Great for Meal Prep: This dish makes excellent leftovers, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. It’s a great option for meal prep, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or looking to have a hearty, homemade meal ready to go for later.

Tips for the Best Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake

• Make it Lighter: If you want to lighten up the recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat milk or a plant-based milk alternative (like almond or oat milk), and use reduced-fat cheese. The flavor will still be creamy and delicious!
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. You can sauté the mushrooms with the onions or mix in frozen peas for an extra burst of color.
• Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce, or a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish for a spicy kick.
• Use Different Pasta: While the recipe calls for penne, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or shells. You can also use gluten-free pasta if necessary.
• Make it a Casserole with a Crunchy Topping: For a bit of crunch, you can top the pasta bake with some panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking. This adds a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a hungry family. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Plus, it’s so easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes, making it a versatile recipe that you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit.