Go Back
To make a tasty chicken broccoli pasta bake, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups pasta (penne or rotini) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) These items create a blend of flavors. The cheese brings creaminess, while the chicken adds protein. The broccoli gives a nice crunch and color. After making the chicken broccoli pasta bake, you can store any leftovers. Keep it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. - Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter dish. - Try different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for unique flavors. - For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. These changes can help you customize the dish to your taste! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. - Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook 2 cups of pasta until al dente, then drain. - Steam or blanch 2 cups of broccoli florets for about 3 minutes. They should be bright green and tender. Drain and set aside. - In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Blend in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a hand mixer on low until smooth. - Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and broccoli until coated with the cream cheese mixture. - Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is evenly distributed. - Spread the mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and golden. - Once baked, take out the dish and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors come together. - Serve hot and gooey, straight from the dish. You can add freshly chopped parsley or basil for color. Offer extra cheese on the side for those who love it cheesy! To get the best texture, cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. When you bake it, the pasta will soften more. If you overcook it, it may turn mushy. Steam or blanch the broccoli just until bright green. This keeps it crisp and fresh. Mix the ingredients gently. This way, you keep the chicken and broccoli pieces whole. Add layers of flavor to your dish. Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder taste. You can also try different herbs. Basil or thyme work well with chicken. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You might even sprinkle some lemon zest for a bright finish. Always remember to season with salt and pepper during mixing. This helps bring all the flavors together. One common mistake is not greasing the baking dish. This can lead to sticking and a messy cleanup. Another mistake is not letting the dish cool before serving. This cooling time helps the dish hold its shape. Also, avoid using too much cream cheese. While it's delicious, too much can make it heavy. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese topping. It adds a lovely golden crust that everyone loves. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh broccoli and cooked chicken to enhance the flavor and texture of your pasta bake. Mix Cheeses for Depth: Combining different types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda with mozzarella, can add a unique flavor profile to your dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to increase the nutritional value and add color. Make Ahead: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled. {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version. Simply swap out the chicken for cooked lentils or chickpeas. This keeps the same protein punch without meat. You can also add more veggies. Consider bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for color and flavor. Use the same creamy sauce to bind everything together. This way, you still enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. You can also use a gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce if needed. Ensure all your other ingredients are gluten-free too. Check labels on the cream cheese and broth. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Instead of just mozzarella and Parmesan, try cheddar or gouda. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. You can also use a mix of cheeses for added depth. Don't hesitate to toss in other vegetables. Spinach, peas, or even artichoke hearts work well. This lets you play with flavors and textures, making your pasta bake special every time. To keep your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool completely before sealing it. If you have leftovers, they will last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the dish to avoid moisture buildup. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but the oven gives a better texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, cut it into portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or wraps. Label them with the date. You can freeze the pasta bake for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake it as mentioned above. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is easy to use. Just add the frozen florets directly to the mix. There’s no need to thaw them first. They will cook well in the oven. This keeps the dish simple and fast. I recommend penne or rotini for this bake. Both shapes hold the sauce well. They also mix nicely with the chicken and broccoli. If you like, you can try other shapes too. Just make sure they are bite-sized. This makes serving and eating easier. To prepare this dish ahead, follow these steps. Make the pasta and mix the ingredients. Then, cover the dish tightly with foil. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to cook, just preheat the oven. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if cold. Enjoy the ease of a ready meal! In this post, we explored the key ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, including storage options and substitutions. I detailed the preparation, cooking, and baking steps for a perfect dish. Tips and tricks offered insights into achieving the best texture and flavor while avoiding common mistakes. We also discussed tasty variations, storage methods, and frequently asked questions. This dish is easy to make and customize. Try your own flavors and enjoy!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake

A creamy and cheesy pasta bake loaded 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 pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Use the olive oil to lightly grease a baking dish, approximately 9x13 inches in size, to prevent sticking.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain well and set aside.
  • In a separate pot, either steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3 minutes, until they are bright green and just tender. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese. Use a hand mixer on low speed to blend in the chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Carefully fold in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and steamed broccoli until everything is well combined and coated with the cream cheese mixture.
  • Add half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the chicken, pasta, and broccoli mixture. Stir until the cheeses are evenly distributed.
  • Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing down the top with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake. If desired, add the red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and has turned a slightly golden color.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or basil for added color.
Keyword bake, broccoli, cheesy, chicken, pasta