Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets (blanched)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
Mix It Together:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, cooked chicken, broccoli, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble the Bake:
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake to Perfection:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm for a hearty, cheesy meal!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 400 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect bake every time. First, ensure your broccoli is blanched by boiling it for 2-3 minutes, then immediately plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking and preserve its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. While the pasta cooks, begin your sauce. The key is to cook the flour and butter mixture (the roux) for a full minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. When adding the milk, do so gradually, whisking vigorously after each addition to guarantee a perfectly smooth, lump-free sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. When combining, make sure the sauce is evenly distributed before transferring to the baking dish. For the topping, mix the remaining cheddar and mozzarella together for a more uniform melt and golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a crunchier contrast, serve with garlic bread or breadsticks. A glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
In summary, this dish involves cooking pasta, making a simple cheese sauce from a butter-flour roux and milk, and combining it with cooked chicken and blanched broccoli. The mixture is topped with more cheese and baked at 375°F until golden and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the bake completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely. Rigatoni, fusilli, or shells are excellent alternatives that hold sauce well.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Omit the chicken and add more broccoli, or incorporate other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
My sauce seems too thick. What can I do? Thin it out by whisking in a little more milk, a splash at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to soften in the oven—always cook to al dente. Do not skip blanching the broccoli; adding it raw will release too much water into the bake. Rushing the sauce by adding all the milk at once is a common error that leads to lumps. Finally, ensure your baking dish is properly greased to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying, and family-friendly meal. Its straightforward method and make-ahead flexibility make it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can easily master this delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness!