Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

10 minutes mins
Recipe video above. One for all those busy nights - a complete HEALTHY meal all made in one baking dish. 5 minutes prep, pop it in the oven, then out comes perfectly cooked chicken and broccoli pasta bake smothered in a creamy sauce. Serves 4 - 5.

Ingredients

  • 400g / 14 oz chicken tenderloin

    breast or thigh, cut into 1.5cm / 3/5″ pieces, raw

  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

    or other herbs and/or spices of choice

  • 250g / 8 oz spiral pasta

    uncooked, See Note 1 for other shapes

  • 1/4 cup flour

    all purpose / plain

  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth/stock

    warmed

  • 2 cups milk

    warmed, any fat %

  • 1 large garlic clove

    minced

  • 2 tbsp / 30g unsalted butter

    recommended but optional

  • 1 large broccoli or 2 medium broccoli or cauliflower

    broken into small to medium florets, Note 2 for subs

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or colby cheese

    tightly packed

Directions

  1. 1

  2. 2

    Preheat oven to 200°C/390°F (180°C fan-forced).

  3. 3

    Sprinkle chicken with salt (be generous), pepper and thyme, toss to coat.

  4. 4

    Spread pasta in a 23 x 33cm / 9 x 13" baking dish. Sprinkle flour all across the surface (don't dump in clump else it won't dissolve). Pour over milk and broth, add garlic and butter. Stir.

  5. 5

    Spread chicken over the top, then broccoli.

  6. 6

    Cover with foil, bake for 15 minutes (or 20 minutes if milk & broth were cold).

  7. 7

    Remove foil, STIR WELL. Add most of the cheese, then STIR WELL again. Top with remaining cheese.

  8. 8

    Return to oven. Bake for 15 – 20 minutes until top is golden and sauce is thickened (See note 4 for troubleshooting).

  9. 9

    Stand for a few minutes then serve immediately!

Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

4.8(180)10 min10 minutes mins

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, healthy meal without the usual fuss? This Ultra Lazy Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is your answer, delivering a complete, wholesome meal in a single baking dish with minimal effort for those busy nights.The true magic of this recipe lies in its incredible simplicity: just 5 minutes of hands-on prep time gets you a hearty, wholesome meal that cooks entirely in one baking dish. It emerges perfectly cooked, with tender chicken and broccoli, bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that will make you forget how easy it was to create.You can expect a wonderfully creamy and savory pasta bake, where succulent pieces of chicken and crisp-tender broccoli florets are enveloped in a velvety, cheesy sauce. The pasta cooks directly in the baking dish, absorbing all the delicious flavors, while the cheddar or colby cheese melts into a bubbly, golden top. This is a supremely comforting and satisfying dish that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan, making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.This versatile bake welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to use chicken breast or thigh cut into 1.5cm / 3/5″ pieces instead of tenderloin, or swap the broccoli for cauliflower if you prefer. For a different flavor profile, experiment with other dried herbs and spices in place of thyme. You can also mix up the cheese with your favorite melting varieties like a pizza blend for an extra twist.Ideal for those busy nights when you need a nourishing, family-friendly dinner on the table with minimal fuss. Serve it straight from the baking dish for a cozy, fuss-free meal that generously serves 4 to 5 people.

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