Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

6 servings
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is an easy dump-and-bake dinner that's ready to eat in less than 90 minutes. But don't worry - you'll only be actually cooking for 10 minutes! Loaded with broccoli, chicken and cheese this is comfort food at its best - with a heathier twist.

Ingredients

  • butter

    divided

    2 tbsp
  • chicken thigh filets

    cut in bite-size pieces

    1 lb
  • paprika powder
    1 tsp
  • onion powder
    1 tsp
  • ground black pepper
    1 tsp
  • salt
    1 tsp
  • dry penne pasta

    uncooked

    ½ lb
  • broccoli

    cut in bite-sized pieces, stem peeled and chopped

    ½ lb
  • garlic cloves

    peeled and crushed, but in one piece

    2
  • chopped parsley

    fresh or frozen

    2 tbsp
  • shredded cheese

    divided

    1 c
  • shredded parmesan cheese

    divided

    1 c
  • heavy cream
    2 c
  • milk
    2 c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C)

  2. 2

    Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add in the chicken pieces. Season with paprika powder, onion powder, salt and pepper and mix well to spread out the seasonings. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, until the chicken has nice color. It does not have to be cooked all the way through at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven.

  3. 3

    Bring out a casserole dish that measures about 8x10 inches (20x25 cm). Grease with 1 tablespoon of butter.

  4. 4

    Place the uncooked pasta in the greased casserole dish. Follow with the cooked chicken, including any leftover fat from frying. Then add chopped broccoli, garlic cloves, parsley and half of both the shredded neutral cheese and the shredded parmesan. Mix as well as possible.

  5. 5

    Pour over the cream and the milk, and top with the remaining cheese. Make sure all pieces of pasta are completely submerged.

  6. 6

    Place in middle of the oven and cook for about 1 hour, until the pasta is cooked through. Check often toward the end, and cover with aluminium foil if it starts to get too much color. Then bring out, and let sit at least 10 minutes before serving.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

80 min6 servings733 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply satisfying, creamy pasta bake that’s incredibly easy to make? This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake delivers rich, comforting flavors with a preparation that’s almost entirely hands-off, making it perfect for busy evenings.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its clever 'dump-and-bake' approach. You'll only spend about 10 minutes actively cooking, letting your oven do the heavy lifting to create a hearty meal. This method ensures all the flavors meld beautifully, delivering a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli.

Prepare for a main course that’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome. Each bite of this creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake features tender penne, juicy chicken thigh, and crisp-tender broccoli, all swimming in a luscious sauce. The generous combination of heavy cream, milk, and a blend of shredded and Parmesan cheeses creates a decadent texture and irresistible flavor. With paprika, onion powder, and garlic infusing the chicken, you’ll enjoy layers of taste in this comforting dish, offering a satisfying meal with a 'healthier twist' thanks to the abundant vegetables.

This versatile dish is easy to adapt to your pantry or preferences. While penne is called for, you can easily swap in other short, sturdy pasta shapes like ziti or rotini. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breast could also work, though chicken thighs offer a bit more juiciness. Feel free to adjust the cheese blend to your liking, perhaps adding a touch of cheddar for extra sharpness, and you can always increase the amount of broccoli or add other quick-cooking vegetables if you wish.

This comforting Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is ideal for a relaxed family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or simply as a cozy meal to enjoy any night of the week. Serve it as a complete meal on its own, allowing its hearty goodness to be the star.

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