Introduction:
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck. This casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, then bakes to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy and delicious way to get a balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Bake:
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work well)
- 2 cups (300g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups (300g) fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup (120g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs for topping
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli together and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Add Toppings (Optional):
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy topping.
- Garnish with red pepper flakes for some added heat, if desired.
6. Bake the Casserole:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta to avoid it becoming mushy when baked.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time, or substitute with turkey or ham for a different flavor.
- Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
Nutritional Information:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Total Fat: Approximately 18-20g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10-12g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 85-100mg
- Sodium: Approximately 500-600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Sugars: Approximately 4-6g
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
Recommendation:
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep and makes great leftovers. Pair it with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. This comforting casserole is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this delightful dish!
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