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- Chicken - Broccoli - Pasta - Cheese varieties (mozzarella, cheddar) - Cream of chicken soup - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Red pepper flakes - Olive oil For this Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, we need a few key items. First, you will want cooked chicken. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for ease. Next, fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. You can use two cups of fresh florets for this recipe. The pasta is the heart of this dish. Both penne or fusilli work well. Cook two cups of pasta until al dente. You also need cheese. I recommend one cup of shredded mozzarella and one cup of cheddar. These cheeses melt beautifully, giving a creamy texture. Lastly, a cup of cream of chicken soup binds everything together. For added flavor, consider using some optional pantry staples. Garlic powder and onion powder give a nice base flavor. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. A drizzle of olive oil helps crisp the topping. These ingredients create a warm, cheesy meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps ensure even cooking. 2. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2 minutes until they turn bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside. This process keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and blanched broccoli. Add the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine. This blend creates a rich, cheesy base. 2. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce mixture into the pasta mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. This sauce adds flavor and creaminess to the bake. 1. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This ensures every bite gets flavor. 2. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta bake. This topping will get crispy and golden. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. This step makes the dish delicious and inviting. 4. Once done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. This adds a touch of color and freshness. - Blanching broccoli correctly Blanching broccoli gives it a bright green color and keeps it crisp. Bring water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and cook them for just two minutes. Drain them right away. This quick cooking helps keep the nutrients in the broccoli. - How to avoid dry pasta To avoid dry pasta, cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still have a little firmness. Mix the pasta with the creamy sauce right after cooking. This adds moisture and flavor. Make sure the sauce covers all the pasta and chicken well. - Pairing options with side dishes This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. - Garnishing ideas For a nice touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. You can also use grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A few red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick if you like heat. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. Make it Ahead: Prepare the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} For those who need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that cook just like regular pasta. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version. This keeps the bake tasty without any gluten. If you want a dairy-free meal, choose dairy-free cheese. There are many brands that melt well and taste great. For the cream of chicken soup, use a dairy-free soup or a homemade version made with coconut milk. This keeps your meal creamy and delicious. You can add fun spices to change the flavor. Try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. A dash of smoked paprika can give a nice twist too. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Using different vegetables is a great way to mix things up. Spinach or bell peppers can work well. If you want to switch proteins, try turkey or even tofu. This keeps your dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. When you have leftovers of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents it from drying out. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing it up. For the best flavor, eat the leftovers within 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, place the pasta bake in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This extra layer helps avoid freezer burn. For best results, consume frozen leftovers within 2 to 3 months. To reheat your Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the moisture in, so it doesn’t dry out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, use it with caution. Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating and helps maintain texture. Enjoy your delicious meal just like fresh! Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just steam it before adding it to the mix for better texture. How long can leftovers be stored? Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup? You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Both will work well in this dish. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge. What side dishes pair well with this bake? Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. They add nice contrast to the meal. This Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake combines simple ingredients for a tasty meal. We covered the main ingredients like chicken, broccoli, pasta, and various cheeses. I shared tips for perfect pasta and storage info to keep it fresh. You can make this dish your own by adapting flavors or dietary needs. Enjoy easy reheating methods and serving ideas. Feel free to explore variations and make this dish fit your taste and lifestyle. I hope this recipe becomes a go-to in your kitchen. Now, it’s time to get cooking!

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Bake

A comforting and cheesy pasta bake with chicken and broccoli.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, mozzarella cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture into the pasta mixture and stir until all ingredients are well combined.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and the remaining cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the pasta bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or spices to taste.
Keyword bake, broccoli, cheesy, chicken, pasta