Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 large heads of fresh broccoli, cut into florets; 1 pound penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; ½ cup half-and-half cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and the answer to those weeknight dinner dilemmas when you crave comfort food without the fuss. We all have those recipes that instantly bring a smile to our faces, and this one is undoubtedly on that list for so many. The irresistible combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, is simply divine. What truly sets this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake apart is its harmonious balance of textures and flavors – the creamy sauce clinging to every bite, the slight crunch of the broccoli, and the savory goodness of the chicken. It’s the kind of dish that feels both rustic and elegant, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a casual gathering with friends. Get ready to discover your new favorite go-to!

Ingredients:

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 large heads of fresh broccoli, cut into florets
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup whole milk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup half-and-half cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking the Pasta and Broccoli

First, let’s get our pasta and broccoli ready for the bake. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 pound of penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. You want the pasta to have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, add about an inch of water and bring it to a simmer. Add the 2 large heads of fresh broccoli, cut into florets, to the steaming basket or directly into the simmering water. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and bright green. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy, so keep an eye on it. Once both are cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Drain the broccoli and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Now, let’s prepare our chicken. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, to the hot skillet. Season the chicken with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown on all sides and cooked through, with no pink in the center. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. You can leave any residual oil and browned bits in the pan, as these will add flavor to our sauce.

Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce

It’s time to build the foundation of our delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake: the sauce. In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (no need to wipe it out!), melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced, and sauté until it becomes translucent and softened, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of fresh garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step builds a wonderful aromatic base for our sauce.
Next, we’ll create a roux to thicken our sauce. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste and forming a paste. This is our roux. Gradually whisk in the 1 cup of whole milk and the 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Now for the cheesy goodness! Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ½ cup of half-and-half cream for extra richness. Add the 1 teaspoon of Italian herb seasoning, the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Finally, add the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Remember, the Parmesan cheese will add a salty element, so be mindful when adding extra salt.

Assembling and Baking the Pasta Bake

With our sauce ready, it’s time to assemble our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained penne pasta, the steamed broccoli florets, and the cooked chicken pieces. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the pasta, broccoli, and chicken. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the luscious sauce. Ensure every piece of pasta and broccoli is nestled in the cheesy goodness.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta, chicken, and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you’d like an extra layer of cheesy flavor, you can sprinkle an additional ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese or more Parmesan cheese over the top at this stage. This is optional but highly recommended for an even more indulgent Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta bake is bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible! Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring all those wonderful flavors have a moment to settle.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and incredibly satisfying Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake that’s sure to become a family favorite! This recipe strikes a perfect balance between hearty comfort food and wholesome ingredients, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, all nestled amongst perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

I love serving this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake piping hot, perhaps with a simple side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For variations, don’t hesitate to experiment! Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or swap out the broccoli for other favorite vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers. You could also sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top before baking for an extra layer of delightful crunch. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s remarkably forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire pasta bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What kind of pasta works best for this bake?

While almost any short pasta shape will work beautifully, I find that shapes with nooks and crannies, like penne, rotini, or farfalle, are excellent at holding onto that luscious cheesy sauce. They ensure every bite is packed with flavor.